Wheaton's Gary United Methodist Church funds five scholarships

Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton will fund five full-year scholarships for girls in Africa and Asia.

The scholarships will be awarded to two Kenyan students in primary school, two Cambodian teenagers in middle and secondary schools, and one college student at Africa University.

The Wheaton church learned about the power of a girl's education and the great need for it through a series of adult education classes and storybook nights.

The congregation raised funds by hosting a read-a-thon in which church members of all ages participated.

The campaign, "Educate a Girl/Change the World," will empower the scholarship recipients to lift up their communities because, as an African proverb says, "When you educate a girl, you educate a nation."

For more information about Gary Church and the missions it supports, visit garychurch.org.