MEXICO – A 16-year-old Mexico boy is trying to raise about $4,000 so he can spend the summer in Egypt helping to build sidewalks at an orphanage with a team from Teen Missions International.

Marcus Couch, son of Marilla and Ken Couch, plans to train for two weeks at a Florida “boot camp” beginning June 20. From there he will fly to Cairo, Egypt, then on to Assiout, where the Lillian Thrasher Orphanage is located.

He has already started raising funds for the trip through requesting donations from friends and family, as well as from some area churches. He also wants work opportunities from area residents for such things as shoveling, lawn work, babysitting and cleaning.

Others in the area, including his sister, Kymberly, age 14, and her friends, Brianna Shaw and Brittany Rea, are also planning Teen Missions International work to Jamaica during the coming summer months.

The First Baptist Church in Mexico is supporting the young people by sponsoring a shower to help them get the items they will need for travel. The teens are also planning bake sales, a lawn sale, bottle drive and car wash to help raise funds for their mission projects.

Marcus Couch learned about the Egyptian orphanage when he was a student at the River Valley Christian School.

Marcus’ and Kymberly’s father, Ken, served as a Teen Missions International volunteer when he was a teenager.

Anyone who would like to help Marcus raise money should contact the family at 357-1250.