You’re Not Alone

Oct 21, 2024 | Weekend Reflections

Awe and Wonder

You’re not alone.

For our scholars breaking the cycle of poverty, you’ve found students across the globe who are equally determined to get an education. For our team members supporting our communities, you’ve found resources and friends in each other.

For our volunteers and trip participants, you know it is indeed possible to make a difference. The enormity of our mission is no longer overwhelming when you realize you’re not alone.

That was the point of our Samaritan 5K Pep Rally. From eight different countries, we logged in to one call to encourage and support each other.  

Then we ran. We ran for food. We ran for medical care. We ran for mental health. The funds we raised will be supporting Samaritan Scholars and their families in each of these communities.

Thank you for your part in the Samaritan 5K. Thank you for being part of our global family.

In 5 Minutes: Hear from each of our country teams, along with an Olympic hopeful, by watching our pep rally.

Ethiopia

Samaritan Scholars, volunteers, and team members in Ethiopia stretched and warmed up before the race.

Our Board President Dan Weingartz and his wife, Kris, celebrated with Mihretu, our fastest runner and Olympic hopeful. Mihretu completed the 5K in 12 minutes, 50 seconds.

Guatemala

Yoli Chacaj, a former scholar and current director of the Guatemala program, prepared the scholars for the 5K. 

Our Vice President, Andrew Pawuk, was in Guatemala celebrating with scholars and passing out medals and prizes. 

Honduras

Students from Colorado’s Regis Jesuit High School were on a service immersion trip and joined Samaritan Scholars in Honduras for a rainy 5K. 

Holding the camera is our alumni coordinator, Juan David, with our scholars and a group from Regis Jesuit High School.

Jamaica

Team Jamaica ran for food support for their scholars and families.

Nick, a student from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, ran the Samaritan 5K with Team Jamaica.

Kenya

This was Kenya’s 2nd Samaritan 5K, and their scholars were excited to run for mental health support. 

I challenged all of Kenya before my trip that I would win the 55-56 age category, and my 71-year-old friend smoked me!

Uganda

Team Uganda was joined by a large group from the community for the 5K, along with Tucker Rossmaessler, our director of development.

Highlights from the Samaritan 5K in Uganda are featured in this video. Scholars and their parents sang and danced before the race started.

United States

Fr. Bobby Karle S.J., one of our board members, ran the 5K in Ann Arbor along with community members and groups from St. Mary Student Parish and Trinity Health.

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.

By Mike Tenbusch

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.

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