Holy Spirit Fuels UCA “Igniting the World” Campaign

March 16, 2023

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

By: Linda Klinger

FoundationONE, executive director


Upper Columbia Academy has a passionate, determined alum who has been working alongside UCA administrators for more than three decades, ever articulating a vision for excellence and giving strong support. At the recent alumni weekend — October 15, 2022 — this long-time friend offered an $800,000 challenge. If alumni and friends would give $800,000 to the “Igniting the World” campaign by January 31, she promised to match each gift, dollar for dollar.


The news of the matching challenge filled the ”Igniting the World” fundraising team with both excitement and terror. How would they ever raise $800,000 in just three months? The previous nine months they had worked their “fingers to the bone” and only raised $400,000. This was clearly a God-sized challenge. The team dropped to their knees begging God to show them the right moves to make. 


They began promoting the matching challenge via email and Facebook. Then, in December the “Igniting the World” staff sent out a direct mail appeal about the matching challenge. God used those simple communications to touch hearts. 


Alumni, parents, grandparents, and church members began pulling out their checkbooks and credit cards. Letters and gifts arrived almost every day. There was one young lady who had no connection whatsoever to UCA, who even felt impressed to give. When asked why she donated, she said, “Because a friend of mine told me that God is on the move in Upper Columbia Conference, and I just want to be part of His work!”


For three months the fundraising team was busy entering data, printing receipts, and signing thank-you letters. They receipted hundreds of $10 to $100 gifts; many, many $100 to $500 gifts; dozens of $1,000 to $5,000 gifts; a few 5-figure gifts; and one 6-figure gift. As the team worked, they often sent up praises to God, for they realized that this activity was not of their making. By mid-January — even before the end of the matching period, the full $800,000 had been raised.


The matching challenge donor was ecstatic! “God has been my business partner for the last 40 years. I love partnering with Him!” she says. “This experience affirms not only that there is tremendous community support for our academies, but it tells us how God feels about our academies—they are an essential part of His work here on earth.”


The “Igniting the World” campaign, which will continue until December 31, 2024, is all about excellence and sustainability for Upper Columbia Academy. For more information or to join the joyful givers who have already given in support of this $15 million campaign, go to www.ignitingtheworlduca.org.

News

By Isaac Meythaler April 16, 2025
Key points included the church's financial position and GC rules of order.
By Isaac Meythaler April 16, 2025
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency faces major funding reductions as a new leader takes over.
An Aerial view of Camp MiVoden showing a lake with a dock in the middle of the woods.
By Isaac Meythaler April 14, 2025
Thanks to longstanding effort and dedication, Camp MiVoden has achieved a key goal by remaining under budget for two years in a row as of this year.
A nativity scene on a float decorated with christmas lights.
By Isaac Meythaler April 7, 2025
KLRF Radio took a new approach to share hope with the Walla Walla Valley last Christmas.
By Isaac Meythaler April 7, 2025
Serve Summit, held at Ellensburg Church on Feb. 21-22, marked a significant moment in the church's efforts to engage with and serve its local community.
By Dustin Jones March 25, 2025
Littell previously served as the director of education and superintendent at Oklahoma Conference.
Shine 104.9 Chaplain Tyler Kern has his beard shaved off by one of his sons as part of a pledge goal
By Isaac Meythaler March 19, 2025
Listener support and innovative pledge goals successfully "razered" funds during Shine 104.9's Annual Spring Friendraiser.
The ACS Thrift Store in Troy, ID being remodeled
By Isaac Meythaler March 11, 2025
Distance made the heart grow fonder for residents of Troy, Idaho, after ten long months of separation from a trusted community member: The local ACS thrift store and food bank.
By David Jamieson March 5, 2025
President Jamieson shares recent actions from Executive Committee to address financial challenges.
The theme of the 2025 National Day of Prayer is
By Kathy Marson March 4, 2025
Churches considering a community event can hold a special National Day of Prayer event!
More Posts