Teen raises funds for mission trip to Kenya

Bobby Stiehler said he's the type of person who might never wander far from Carson Valley were it not for the call of God.

"My youth pastor was talking about finding God's purpose. Was I willing to go wherever God wants me to go?" Stiehler said.

Stiehler said the farthest from home he's been was the Douglas High School marching band trip to Washington, D.C., in 2005 for President Bush's inauguration.

"I've been on two missions to Mexico and visited four states," he said.

But an inner voice he could not ignore guided him to join Adventures in Missions for a three-month trip to Kenya.

"The next day I called my youth pastor and told him I was going to Africa," he said

Stiehler, a 2007 Douglas High School graduate, had no location in mind until he found the Adventures in Missions Web site.

"A few minutes after I contacted them, they offered me the last spot on their trip to Kenya," he said.

Stiehler hopes to join a dozen other college-age students at a five-day training camp in Atlanta, Ga., on Sept. 12. After that, they'll spend the next three months in Kenya, dividing their time between the slums of Kibera and a countryside village.

"We'll be doing arts and crafts and street drama and help with what every they need - digging wells, providing clean water and teaching," he said.

So far, Stiehler has raised about half the $4,690 he needs for the trip.

Through his church, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Stiehler is putting on a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday on the lot across from Meeks Lumber at Industrial Way south of Gardnerville.

"We'll have everything - couches, TVs, computers, clothes, toys, baby items - we have tons," he said.

He said the prices would be very reasonable because he wants to move the merchandise.

Stiehler said he could accept rummage sale donations until 5 p.m. today.

He's also accepting financial donations to pay for the trip.

Stiehler said he's had about six weeks to put the trip together while the other participants have been raising money for almost a year.

So far, he sold his electric piano and took up a collection from church members.

"I'm really more excited than nervous about the trip," he said. "My biggest fear is that I won't be able to go. I'll sell my guitar, or my iPod, even my car if it comes to that."

He said he received four pages of instructions about what to bring for the three-month trip.

"The No. 1 item was a huge jar of peanut butter because that probably will be our dinner for the next three months," he said.

Participants also are told to bring arts and craft supplies like crayons and glue.

"We don't speak the language and making things is the best way to communicate," he said.

Stiehler said he's received support from family and friends and his coworkers at Old Navy who will be holding his job for him.

"My friends are sad I am leaving, but they know I won't be happy until I go. It will be an experience for them when I get back," he said.

When he returns, he hopes to pursue studies to become a youth pastor.

"It's where God is calling me to go," he said.

DETAILS

Bobby Stiehler is holding a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday on the lot across from Meeks Lumber at Industrial Way and Highway 395 south of Gardnerville. He will accept donations for the rummage sale through 5 p.m. today. Stiehler also is accepting financial donations for his trip which may be brought to the rummage sale site. For information, call 450-3620.