By Brenna Eller
BUHLER, Kan. — Grand Staff Ministries, Inc. has recently been granted land in eSwatini, Africa, to build an elementary school.
To raise funds for the building project, the Grand Staff Thrift Boutique in Buhler is holding a 12 Days of Christmas Sale Friday, Dec. 6 through Saturday, Dec. 21.
According to Grand Staff Ministries Executive Director Becky Spencer, the boutique has done this sale several years in a row but has switched up what happens on some of the days. This year, for the first time they are doing the “blow out Buy One Get One” on the final day.
“October was our 9th ‘birthday’ at the boutique!” Spencer said. “When we were building our first care home in eSwatini, Africa, we knew we’d need monthly income to be able to provide quality care: food, housing, doctor and dentist visits, schooling, clothing, etc.–with loving houseparent’s.”
Spencer explained that the proceeds have helped Grand Staff Ministries do all of that, plus build a preschool, a second care home, and an apartment/office on site.
A completion date isn’t certain if/when the funds are raised for the elementary school, but there are plans to break ground soon after the first of next year.
“Hopefully it will be completed in time to open the school in January of 2026 (that’s when their new school year starts over there). But it all depends on how fast we can get people to move over there,” Spencer said. “We’ve learned to be patient and take it as it goes. NOT the American way, nor how I’m wired, but it always seems to be perfect timing when all is said and done.”
The boutique is always needing volunteers, and not just during the special sale events, so if you are interested or anyone you know is interested, contact 620-931-5782. For more information about the boutique or its mission, visit www.grandstaffthrift.com
