“That which you do for the least of these, you do unto me.” – Jesus in Matthew 25:40

As a new year approaches, Trent and Kelli Renner, founders of ReturnHope International, anticipate a fantastic 2019.

Construction of a four-story school that will educate 1,000 students is nearing completion in Bugiri, Uganda. It is one of several projects in progress under ReturnHope sponsorship to improve people’s lives in the African nation.

“Our goal is not handouts, but the removal of obstacles that are stunting the possibility of being self-sustaining,” said Renner, lead pastor of Christ’s Church of Fountain Hills.

On his first visit to Uganda five years ago, he drove 1,600 miles from one end of the country to the other. He would stop when he saw groups of people to ask, “what are your needs? How can we help you?”

“The number one response was to help our children get an education,” Renner said.

He recently returned from a brief visit and was amazed at the progress.

“I’m blown away,” he added. “I’m so excited.”

The cost to build the multi-purpose school building is $16 to $18 per square foot compared to $150 per square foot for a similar project in the United States.

The cost to finish the school’s construction and hire 50 teachers is about $130,000 short. Sixteen teachers have already been hired. Students will attend the school for free.

The average school in Uganda employs one teacher for 700 children, Renner said.

“Can you imagine? That’s not called an education.”

ReturnHope is raising monthly financial support, using the “40” in Matthew 25:40 as the inspiration for donating $40 or more per month. Christ’s Church and many others are chipping in to see the school’s completion.

One hundred percent of a donation goes directly to the project. Donations are tax deductible. The foundation operates without an administrator or paid staff, said Renner.

He started the foundation five years ago after being hired to become president of a large mission organization involved in Uganda and 90 other countries. When he started asking questions about the integrity of the organization, he was fired.

“I thought, I can’t forget these people, so I started my own foundation,” he said. “There is a phrase that I need Africa more than Africa needs me.”

Contributions can be made at christschurch.online or returnhope.com. Renner can be contacted at 623-628-1400.