Church youth group exceeds fundraising goal

Members of the high school youth group at the Congregational Church of Batavia have had to revise an ambitious goal they set for 2007.

It wasn't that they couldn't make the goal. They exceeded it.

A year ago, the group set a goal of helping seven children -- anywhere from age 5 to early 20s -- escape from forced labor by raising $7,000.

By January, they will have raised more than $11,000. Their slogan has changed to "11 in '07" from "7 in '07."

They have achieved this surprising success by selling sandwiches for "liberty lunches," hosting dinners, running a summer sports camp, selling ice cream at local festivals, and even collecting loose change. This month, they are offering special treats for the family dog.

One of the student leaders is Dan Pearson, 16, a student at Batavia High School. He explained that the funds will go to the International Justice Mission, which works to free children from forced labor and prostitution in India, Africa and Cambodia at a cost of $1,000 per child. The cost covers intervention, legal fees and after care.

"The project started a year ago when we went on a retreat," Pearson said. "We learned about two types of bonded slavery. Some children are forced to break rocks for gravel, or do tedious jobs like making beads or small cigarettes. Others are forced into prostitution. They are paid poorly, or may not get paid at all. Sometimes they're beaten or even killed. For some, it's basically working until you die.

"It's a terrible thing," Pearson added. "When we learned about the International Justice Mission, we felt we were all called by God. We can't just sit by and watch."

Mallory Potter, 16, a student at Batavia High School, is in charge of collecting loose change from a bucket that was set outside the sanctuary in March and will remain there until December.

"We've collected over $2,000 in loose change," Potter said. "It's really amazing what we can do. It makes us realize how lucky we are and it's really rewarding to be able to help."

"We're very excited to be reaching our second goal of $11,000," said Rachel Vanden Heuvel, project chair. She is also 16 and a student at Batavia High School. "It's been good experience for me and the rest of the group. Marcia didn't expect us to come up with this big plan."

Marcia is Marcia Schneider, leader of the youth group.

"They are very dedicated," Schneider said. "I couldn't have planned this better. It's been a real group effort. They have gained leadership skills and they have grown in their faith. They have responded to the New Testament's demand to love others, to reach out. And they have also really inspired members of our congregation."

For information, call Schneider at the church at (630) 879-1999, or visit www.7in07.org.

Call for tickets now

The Swedish American Children's Choir of St. Charles will present the Swedish Christmas and St. Lucia Festival at 4 p.m. Saturday at Hosanna! Lutheran Church, Red Gate and Randall roads in St. Charles.

Irene Kaar of Geneva, 2007 St. Lucia Queen will dress in a flowing white robe, red sash and head wreath of candles to symbolize the coming of light into a darkened world.

Swedish accordionist Ernest Sandquist of Rockford, classical pianist Emily Engstom of Schamburg and soprano Marguerite Karl of St. Charles will also be featured.

There will also be a Swedish sweet table, a visit from Swedish Santa Jul Tomte, a bake sale and Scandinavian themed gifts will be available for purchase.

Admission is by reservation only. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6 to 12. Call (630) 414-9700.