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Wolf Point’s Harada Returns From Arise Africa Mission Trip To Zambia

Wolf Point’s Harada Returns From  Arise Africa Mission Trip To Zambia Wolf Point’s Harada Returns From  Arise Africa Mission Trip To Zambia

While many college students consider summer an opportunity for fun and relaxation, Wolf Point native Jaki Harada decided to travel a different route.

Harada helped individuals in need during a mission trip in Lusaka, Zambia, from June 21 through July 1. The mission trip was through the First Presbyterian Church in Billings and the Arise Africa program.

“They go on a mission trip every year, so we decided to go on this one,” Harada said of the church in Billings, which she attends while a student at Montana State University Billings. She started planning for the trip two years ago, but the schedule was delayed because of COVID.

She noted that going on a mission trip has been a long-time goal for her. “I’ve always wanted to go. But I didn’t know how and when it was going to come about.”

The purpose of Arise Africa is to provide underprivileged youth of Zambia with opportunities to live healthy childhoods so they can create bright, meaningful futures for themselves.

“One thing they do is build home for children who have difficult situations, home lives,” Harada explained.

She appreciated her experience with teachers and students during her time in Africa. The students ranged in age from 7 to 20 years.

“In Africa, they don’t attend school until they can pay for it,” Harada said. “So, a lot of them are way behind. The 19-20 year olds are like freshmen in high school.”

Harada said the biggest goal was to teach the students about God’s word.

Although she was there to assist the students and teachers, the time was also a learning experience for her.

“I saw how fortunate we are here,” Harada said. “I’m now just enjoying her and valuing the little things.”

Harada, who is a senior education major at MSU Billings, added about the people of Zambia, “They have very little, but are very willing to give what they have.”

She is now more thankful for what she has including being able to drive a vehicle and having nice clothes. A goal for her is to be more positive and kind.

“It gets you thinking,” she said.

She thanks the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church in Wolf Point for being supportive with financial donations and prayers.

Her father, Jeff, is the pastor of the Wolf Point church. “I think he was a little scared,” Jaki said of when she initially mentioned the mission trip. “Ultimately, I hope he was proud that I went there to spread God’s word.”

She hopes to take part in another mission trip through Arise Africa. ”I want to within the next three years and stay longer this time, maybe a month,” she said.

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