If you have recently driven the northern strip of Scottsdale Road, there is no doubt you have witnessed the construction. The City of Scottsdale is implementing a major improvement plan that will greatly assist with future traffic. Yet, in the here and now, many seem to be frustrated with. I get it, trucks, dust, and lane restrictions are on no ones wish list. So in the meantime, let me share some good news that is transpiring from the project.
It’s not only commuters that are being affected by the current construction. Many businesses and homes along the route are also facing new challenges. One of these is Desert Foothills Lutheran Church and School. To properly execute work on Scottsdale Road the city needed to acquire an easement on the congregation’s property. An offer to purchase was made by the city of Scottsdale and accepted by the church.
Desert Foothills is currently looking to renovate their current sanctuary and build an additional contemporary worship space, so some wanted to put the funds toward that project. Others wanted to put the funds in savings, but in the end, a decision was made to start a new mission in Southeast Asia.
Desert Foothills teamed up with Garuna Ministries and purchased land in Cambodia for nearly the exact same amount of the easement sale. From there, the congregation raised enough money to build an elementary school on the property that will house 200+ students. The schools construction is ahead of schedule and planning to enroll students this fall.
“Every time I see the construction on Scottsdale Road I smile, and hope others will now too because it led to the construction of a school, and the sharing of Jesus, in Cambodia.” -Pastor Jeremy DaPena
