mission week 2025
This year’s summer mission brought together 31 youth and adults from across the U.S. to serve alongside our staff and community. Together, we hosted the incredible programs you’ll read about in this impact report—and celebrated a milestone years in the making: the opening of the new 12-classroom high school block.
I want to thank you—truly—for your prayers, your generosity, and your unwavering belief in what’s possible. Each day as I walked the campus, watching our brilliant and curious students connect with team members and staff, I couldn’t help but think of you—our faithful partners.
Through phone calls, emails, texts, and church visits, I’ve gotten to know so many of you. It’s one of the greatest joys of my life to walk in community with people who care so deeply. You’ve shared your own highs and lows, even as you’ve leaned in to understand the stories and struggles of our students. That kind of connection—that shared humanity—is what makes this work so powerful.
The students feel it too. They love to test my memory by asking about their sponsors: They often say, “Do you know my sponsor?” “Please tell them I say hello and that I pray for them everyday.” Most of the time, I do remember. I get to share a little something about you, and their faces light up with joy. Then they run off and send their friends to quiz me next.
As I walk the grounds, touch each wall, and listen to their laughter, I see your fingerprints everywhere. I see the campaign you led at your church. I remember the sacrifice you made when you increased your monthly gift. I know—without a doubt—that this flourishing campus and vibrant community is what it is today because of you.
God has richly blessed Raise the Roof Academy by weaving together lives across continents. The numbers in this report represent far more than a week of mission. They represent every seed you’ve sown through your letters, your prayers, your gifts, and your love.
And this summer, we saw one of those seeds bloom into something unforgettable.
Standing on stage at the opening celebration of the new 12-classroom high school block, I had the most breathtaking view: hundreds of students and teachers, beaming with anticipation, waiting for the ribbon to be cut. Music filled the air, dancing broke out, and tears of joy streamed down faces. It was one of those moments that takes your breath away.
As I looked up and saw students leaning over the railings of all four levels, I was overwhelmed with emotion and wonder. God is so faithful.
From a simple wooden shed in 2011 with just 30 children to this—our thriving campus, our first class of high school graduates heading to university, and a future so full of hope.
All glory and honor to God. And deep, deep thanks to you—our faithful partners—who have stood with us, prayed with us, and cheered our students on every step of the way. You are part of this miracle.
with gratitude,
Marlene Ssebulime, Executive Director