"The United Methodist Church in Runville, PA is where my faith in Christ flourished growing up, said, Adazia Mellott. My dad is a pastor and my mom is the secretary of our church, so I thrived the most at my church. For the most part, I loved being a pastor’s kid. I started doing volunteer work and making good friends from a young age. The best part is having a church family who has been there for me and my family from the very beginning. Because I went on many mission trips through my church, I have a passion for missionary work."
When Mellott began searching for possible colleges to attend, the cost was a big factor.
"I didn’t think I would be able to attend a private Christian school that I wanted because they tend to be on the more expensive side. My dad encouraged me to apply for some church scholarships, and that’s when I found out about the United Methodist Student Day Gift of Hope Scholarship," said Mellott.
At her encouragement, Mellot visited a small Christian campus in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and she immediately fell in love with Geneva College, The scholarships I received eventually made attending there a tangible reality. The United Methodist Student Day Gift of Hope scholarship is also helping me fulfill my goal," shared Mellott
”I am grateful that the church supports the United Methodist Student Day offering, says Mellott, because God calls us to bear each other’s burdens and encourage one another. By giving on this day, the church is supporting fellow members of the body to grow through education. They are helping to alleviate the financial burden that comes with obtaining a higher education."
Mellott's career plan is to become a fulltime missionary someday.
"After college, I want to engage myself in whatever opportunity God presents to me. I’m trusting him to guide me; I wouldn’t want it any other way.
As a missionary nurse, I want to demonstrate Christ through my practice. There’s a lot of injustice in the world, and shining a light in a broken person’s life can make all the difference. I owe it all to the people who gave to me through scholarships because without them I wouldn’t have been able to choose the college God intended for me. " Mellot said.
Please encourage your members to give to the United Methodist Student Day offering. Your offering supports the Gift of Hope scholarship program for United Methodist Students.
Elsie Cunningham, freelance writer, UMCom retiree, now living in Jamaica
One of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Student Day calls the church to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. The special offering provides scholarships for qualified United Methodist applicants.
When you give generously on United Methodist Student Day, you support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. Give now.
