The Wind Beneath Our Wings

Today I am finishing my seventh year at International Samaritan. This has been the best seven years of my life; no other stretch comes close. Every day I get to work with teams in eight nations made up of some of the most talented, thoughtful, and giving people I have ever met. You can see the joy they bring to their communities in the pictures below from our International Samaritan Day celebrations last week.

None of these teams would be successful, however, without the one team at the bottom of our organizational chart creating conditions for all the other teams to do their best work. I’m talking about our Board of Trustees. These folks are simply stellar. Last week, Scott Savage, who has been putting this organization on his shoulders through our most difficult challenges over the last 30 years, joined three friends and me for a most uplifting trip to Honduras that included picking me up after I finished last in the 5K again this year! Also last week, Dr. Patty McNally led a team of residents from Trinity Health on a rotation improving the health needs of our community in Uganda. And just a few weeks ago, another board member, Dr. Tsion Firew, was featured on NPR for putting her own life on the line to help fight a deadly Marburg outbreak in Rwanda. These are just three of the 12 exceptional people I get to work for every day.

As much as I enjoy sharing stories about our amazing teams in other nations, I want to thank the people on our board for making that possible–for leading us so well over the last 31 years, and me over the last seven.

33 of 50 Scholarships

While celebrating Good Samaritans, the goal for International Samaritan Day was to fund 50 scholarships. As of today, we’ve raised enough to fund 33 scholarships. We’re thankful for your support! If you haven’t given yet, it’s not too late to help 17 more students with a life-changing scholarship. You can make a one-time gift or set up a recurring donation.

Ethiopia

Our team and scholars in Ethiopia had a week-long celebration! One day, “our Bible study teacher led a session for our younger scholars, focusing on the Good Samaritan. Following the lesson, students engaged in interactive games and sang the Good Samaritan song with great enthusiasm!”
-Englidawork Lemma, youth development coordinator

Guatemala

“We had the idea of holding a fair to commemorate International Samaritan Day and raise funds. Throughout the day, we sold food to all the guests who attended and also sold tickets to play games that the children made with recycled materials and all their creativity. Some of the prizes were donated by scholarship recipients. All of this was done with a lot of love and collaboration from everyone.”
-Yolanda Chacaj, program director

Honduras

“In San Pedro Sula, we enthusiastically celebrated International Samaritan Day! We held a 5K race, had an awards ceremony, and shared beautiful moments with our friends from the United States who visited us (including Mike & Scott Savage), as well as with scholarship recipients and the team.” 
-Erika Cuevas, program director

Kenya

“Each 5K registration went directly toward funding a scholar’s education, helping to unlock opportunities for young minds pursuing their dreams. Beyond the cause, running reminds us of the importance of physical and mental well-being — it strengthens the body, sharpens the mind, builds resilience, and unites communities.”
-Simon Anzigare, program coordinator

Villa Guadalupe

Samaritan Scholars ran a 5K race and then enjoyed time in a rented pool! “Before starting the race, there was a special moment to reflect on the true meaning of being a Good Samaritan: helping others, showing compassion, and serving with love. International Samaritan Day will forever be etched in our memories as a day filled with emotion, friendship, and gratitude.”
-Laura Cuevas, program coordinator

Uganda

“Adding a special touch to this year’s 5K event was the participation of the Trinity Doctors from the United States (including Dr. Patty McNally), who ran alongside the community before setting up a medical camp to attend to health needs. Their presence turned the day into a celebration of both physical wellness and compassionate service.”
-David Kafambe, country director

Jamaica: Relief Efforts after Hurricane Melissa

Our Samaritan Scholars and their families in Riverton City and Callaloo Mews, Jamaica, near Kingston, had to evacuate for Hurricane Melissa. Several homes sustained hurricane damage, and our local team members are still assessing the long-term impact. 

“The ongoing impact of Hurricane Melissa is a concern, but rest assured, our Jamaica team is actively monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of our scholars and families. During these challenging times, let’s stand together and support one another.”
-Sonja Robinson, program director

Help Samaritan Scholars in Jamaica: If you’d like to help provide food, water, and other health and wellness services to our scholars and their families who have been impacted by Hurricane Melissa, donate today. 

International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty.

We provide holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, and we’re currently supporting nearly 1,000 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

Would your church or school group like to partner and travel with us? Learn about our Learn, Serve, Grow program.

Empower our scholars to change their lives. Become a monthly supporter.

Mike Tenbusch, President

Mike joined International Samaritan in 2018 after two decades of leading social change in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan. He’s a University of Michigan Law grad and author of The Jonathan Effect: Helping Kids and Schools Win the Battle Against Poverty. He and his wife, Maritza, have three children who keep them young.