If you gave an adult a goal of raising $7,000, they’d probably enlist help, form a committee, have a couple of strategic planning meetings, overcomplicate every detail and then spend months inching toward their goal. 

Robertson County’s Kate Hancock isn’t an adult, though. She’s just a 10-year-old with a big heart and even bigger faith. 

Last month, Kate asked her parents, Matthew and Jodi Hancock, if she could sell apple cider at their Hancock Family Farm market near Springfield to raise money for missionary work in Haiti. Not just any ol’ mission work, though. Kate had her sights set on raising $7,000, enough money to build a church in the rural mountain community of Jeremie, Haiti. 

“I have a friend named Lucy whose family does a lot of work there and I have heard them talk about Haiti,” says Kate. “I wanted to raise money for a church for the Haitian people so they could keep learning about Jesus and go to heaven.”

Jodi says she tried to point Kate toward a less lofty goal, but her daughter refused. Kate’s sights were set and she was determined. 

“The first week, the Lord provided enough money for two churches,” laughs Jodi. “We were shocked!”

Kate wasn’t really all that surprised, though. The South Haven Christian School fourth-grader had heaps of faith behind her goal. After setting up again the next weekend and receiving some online donations, she raised a total of $28,000 — enough for four churches! 

“We learned a huge lesson that day to trust in the Lord!” says Jodi. “I also learned from Kate to always strive to have childlike faith and know that when we think things are impossible, stop and remember with God ALL things are possible!”

Kate says raising this money has made her feel “very happy” because the people of Jeremie are currently worshiping under makeshift shelters made of tarps. After learning this,  Kate wanted to do something to help. 

So she did. 

“My favorite verse right now is Joshua 1:9, ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, Do not be discouraged, For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,’” Kate says.

Kate is continuing to raise money. If you would like to contribute visit http://Emmanuelhaitimarket.com/donate.

“Kate has a huge heart,” says Jodi. “She's always willing to help others no matter what's going on. I can't wait to see how the Lord uses her for His glory.”