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Thanks to the hard work and determination of Tim and Joey Upper, recent Caldwell Academy graduate Josue Mendez- Contreras is a step closer to fulfilling his dream.

The Upper brothers started a fundraising campaign to help Mendez-Contreras, a native of Honduras, stay in the U.S. and attend GTCC . His visa states that he may stay in the U.S. only if he is a full-time student. Mendez-Contreras’ dreams include studying music and becoming a missionary.

“Ultimately, my passion is to go to different countries, disciple people and bring them to Christ so they can bring others to Christ,” said Mendez-Contreras, 19 . “I’d also love to create music conservatories in the villages of Honduras so other children can have the opportunity to pursue an education or careers in music.”

When Tim Upper, a rising senior at Caldwell, and Joey Upper, a rising sophomore , heard that their friend would have to return to Honduras after graduation May 30 , they decided something had to be done.

“It was on everyone’s mind, and we just decided to do something about it,” Tim said. “We knew if we could get him to college, we wouldn’t be just benefitting him but others in the future.”

In the midst of studying for and taking final exams, Tim, who loves working with computers, set up a Facebook page sharing Mendez-Contreras’ story, and Joey went to work contacting everyone who knows him, roughly 75 families . Word of his needs spread quickly.

Within a week, by June 5 , the boys had raised $11,000 , enough to pay for Mendez-Contreras’ first semester of college and most of the second semester. In addition to local contributions, donations came in from Caldwell alumni around the world.

When the Uppers approached Mendez-Contreras with their idea, he was a bit skeptical.

“But then when they told me how much they raised, the first thing that came to my mind was, 'Why do you put limits on God?’ ” he said. “It’s a blessing to see God moving and see how people care for me.”

Mendez-Contreras came to the U.S. two years ago after meeting High Point missionary Carolyn Veith while she was in Honduras. As a small child, through Operation Christmas Child, a program of the international Samaritan’s Purse, Mendez-Contreras received shoeboxes filled with small toys and essentials.

Receiving those boxes changed Mendez-Contreras’ life and made him to want to know more about the love of Christ that the missionaries talked about, he said. When he was 14, while attending one of the mission services for children, he became a Christian.

Mendez-Contreras still keeps a few precious treasures from those boxes, including a toy harmonica, with him as reminders of how far he’s come.

When Mendez-Contreras’ mother became unable to support their family financially a few years ago, he dropped out of school to work, often translating for missionaries. That’s how he met Veith, who helped arrange for Mendez-Contreras to come to the U.S. and study at Caldwell.

Scott and Susan Davis , whose son graduated with Mendez-Contreras, became his host family.

“It’s been very enriching for our family as we’ve gotten to know another culture intimately,” Susan Davis said. “He’s such an incredibly personable, joyful people-person, and he has such a passion for fine arts.”

Mendez-Contreras grew equally fond of the Davis family.
“They’ve been such a blessing,” he said.

Mendez-Contreras plays the violin and sings and recounts performing with the Caldwell choir at Carnegie Hall as one of his most memorable moments. He also swam for the school and ran cross-country, which is how Tim got to know him better.

Mendez-Contreras said he quickly fell in love with the U.S. and Caldwell.

“I came thinking I’d only stay a year, but then after a month or so I realized I wanted to stay and even go to college,” he said. “Then reality set in, and I knew I’d need money for that.”

Mendez-Contreras said he is not worried about having enough money to complete his education in the U.S.

“I’m taking one day at a time,” he said.

Tearfully, Mendez-Contreras said he will never forget all that Tim and Joey Upper have done for him.

“I have such a love, respect and admiration for these guys, but I also realized they’re just like me,” he said. “I think I’ll always be close with Tim and Joey.”

Contact Jennifer Atkins Brown at 574-5582 or jennifer.brown@news-record.com