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"Anyone can do what we did with God's help."

World Vision's Frank said, "This thing has really grown my faith." Frank often sees youth get involved in humanitarian work, but never before to this degree. "I see them as a shining example of what's happening in their generation."

In the summer of 2004, another piece of the dream fell into place. A team of students visited Kakolo to see the schoolhouse and its impact firsthand. While there, students discovered new ways to support the village.

The 2004-05 project—a maternity ward—was more ambitious, requiring from students more funds, more sacrifice, and, ultimately, more faith.

But a funny thing happened on the way to surpassing their goal and raising $110,000 for the clinic. Grown-ups were getting in on the action. The "Zambia Meltdown" campaign resulted in 14 Academy teachers and administrators losing 460 pounds in 100 days, raising an additional $19,000 in pledges for lost weight. The headmaster and principal each lost 70 pounds.

The clinic is under construction this summer. "We can't wait to visit that ward, where babies will be born healthy and free of HIV," Huber said.

For the 2005-06 school year, Wheaton Academy students have launched AIDS Student Network (www.aidsstudentnetwork.org), aiming to recruit 1,000 American high schools in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa.

"It is a huge vision," Huber said, admitting that his July 2004 visit to Kakolo rocked his world. At a May chapel service, he told students, "I love the fact that the God of the universe loves to do the unthinkable."

Jeremy Weber is a freelance writer and a 2005 graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois.

Copyright © 2005 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

The AIDS Student Network has FAQs about the project, photos and videos, and fundraising information.

The One Life Revolution website has facts about AIDS and materials for youth leaders to participate in the One Life program.

Wheaton Academy's website has more information about the school.

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August 2005, Vol. 49, No. 8