CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Selah's House

Selah's House

In June, a Tyler couple traveled to Africa.  They went there, faith in hand, hoping to change the lives of orphaned children.  Little did the know it was their lives that would be transformed.

Upon their arrival in Zambia, Chris and Erin Phillips were appalled by the conditions in which these orphan children lived.

"They live in these horrible shelter of a hut that have no doors.  There's no electricity.  There's no one that really looks out for them," explained Erin.

So the organization, Legacy Missions, came up with a plan.

Erin said, "They bought 130 acres over there, which they call the "Tree of Life Village" and they are going to build a hospital and a clinic there to help take care of the kids.  They're building a school to take care of about 1000 kids a day."

The kids will live in one of 25 homes, each with a house mom and dad.

"They've already gotten 4 houses built and so our goal is to try and build one of the next houses and we are actually doing it in honor of a girl named selah that we met on our trip," Erin remarked.

But that goal comes with a price.

"We're trying to raise $72,000," said Erin.

To help do that, Chris and several of his buddies are hitting the links at Hollytree Country Club.

"We're going to play 90 holes of golf in one day, if we can survive," laughed Chris. 

Seeking pledges for every birdie they sink.

Chris said, "A dollar... whatever the number is, if you would support us in however many birdies we make, that money is all going towards the construction cost of the house for Selah."

A couple... and a community... making a difference to a little girl a half a world away.

Anyone donating $500 or more... or pledging $5 for every birdie... will be entered into a drawing for 4 free B.C.S. national championship tickets.  You can pledge money for birdies up until 5pm Monday (8/31.)  However, you can continue to donate $500 for Selah's House past that date.

Also, be sure to visit: http://www.legacymissions.org/selah