AIDS-Ravaged Africa Inspires a Mission on Wheels

In addition to Elliott, Christopher Franklin, 21, Thomas Francovitch Jr., 17, Derick Henderson, 22, and Scott Brookens, 18, are on the bus trip. Three men in the group have been to Africa, one is interested in international law and another is a videographer who will shoot footage during the summer.

"Part of the motivation is that they think this is something that Jesus would be concerned with. And integrating their beliefs is important to how they live their lives." Paul Elliott said. "But this is not a theological endeavor. Anyone with a compassionate heart can do this."

The idea to build two one-room schools in Africa is the result of brainstorming sessions with World Vision, a Seattle-based Christian relief organization that helps children around the world. Elliott contacted World Vision last fall, and the organization quickly used its resources to help Elliott organize his trip, creating the two-month itinerary.

"It is Nathaniel's generation that will inherit this problem. We need more Nathaniels who are passionate," said Karen Kartes, spokeswoman for World Vision.

Elliott and the organization wanted the trip to have a tangible result that could help African children affected by AIDS. According to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 64 percent of children in Africa are enrolled in primary school. UNESCO considers education one of the "pillars" to support development in poverty-stricken countries.

Before the group left from Baltimore in June, Living Hope had raised $43,000, most of which will be used to fund the summer trip and pay for necessities such as gas and food. The money was raised through donations and fundraisers. Art students at the Annapolis Area Christian School volunteered to sell homemade vases and donated the money to Living Hope.

As of Friday, the group had raised more than $30,000 while on the road.

Paul Elliott admits that when his son first told him about his idea to speak to other teenagers about AIDS in Africa, he did not think Nathaniel would follow through.

"When Nathaniel had the idea, I said, 'Go for it,' never thinking it would happen. But Nathaniel was persistent," Paul Elliott said.

Nathaniel is the driving force behind the creation of Living Hope. Paul Elliott and his wife, Deborah, agree that they acted only as facilitators following their son's lead.

"I always felt Nathaniel was a real leader waiting to bloom," Paul Elliot said. "And he bloomed on this project."