The Beacon
Good People of St. John’s United Church of Christ,
On Monday, June 2, Miss Donna and I had the joy of joining a Zoom tour of Unity In Hope School (UIHS) in Pakistan. Together with about 30 others—including the UIHS Board of Directors, co-founders Al Ruppel (President) and Dr. Amir Gulzar—we were welcomed by the school’s teachers, principal, and students and were given a glimpse into their day-to-day life and hopes for the future.
The students began their day gathered in the main hall, where they offered
prayers, recited their pledge of allegiance, and sang two Bible songs in English—a heartfelt moment that was a true gift to witness.
The tour took us through their current spaces and up to the rooftop where
students enjoy recess (under the heat of the open sun, without shade). We also learned that the main hall serves many purposes, including community events and ceremonies beyond the school.
We were shown their weekly curriculum, which includes Bible study, English,
Math, History, Art, and Science. That Monday happened to be their last day of the school year, and the students were excitedly preparing to visit a “green space”—an area away from the school with grass and trees. For many of them, it would be their first time experiencing such a place.
We were excited to hear about the school’s future as well. A new wing is being built that will include a computer lab. The school buildings are powered by solar energy, with additional panels being installed. UIHS uses the Oxford Curriculum and employs trained, certified teachers. Teachers earn just $1,000 per year, and the principal earns $1,200. Despite the challenges, their commitment is unwavering. Currently, there are 2,000 children on the waiting list. The principal visits each potential student’s home to ensure readiness and family support, since the school is entirely tuition-free.
We were moved to see a St. John’s UCC banner proudly displayed in one of the classrooms—our church fully funded the 2nd-grade classroom for an entire year! What a beautiful sign of our shared mission and love in action.
Listed below are the credentials of UIHS founders, both of whom you have met at St. John’s UCC.
Thank you, St. John’s, for your generosity. Please continue to support Unity In Hope School. Your giving is opening doors and changing lives.
Allen Ruppel is the founder of Unity in Motion and served as the organization’s
Executive Director for the first 20 years. He is currently serving as Development Director. Allen is a U.S Navy veteran and navigation team member of the 5th nuclear submarine to circumnavigate the world. Allen earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduating Summa Cum Laude. In April 2000, Allen founded Unity in Motion, building the program from a karate class to a non-profit corporation that works with Milwaukee central city youth starting as early as K4 and supports them all the way through post-secondary education offering numerous programs and services. He did this while working full-time for 15.5 years at Northwestern Mutual in various management level positions. In 2008, Unity in Motion became incorporated and in 2010, Allen became the full-time Executive Director. He is also the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Hope Christian Schools network and a member of
the Board of Directors for the Center for Urban Teaching.
Dr. Amir Gulzar: Co-Founder
Dr. Amir Gulzar was born and raised in Pakistan. He has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Marketing, MBA in Marketing, and a Ph.D. in International Finance. From 1996 to 2002 he worked at Pakistan Adventist Seminary as an instructor and head of the business department. From 2003 to 2019 he worked as a missionary of the Seventh-day Adventist church at the Adventist University of Lukanga in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as an associate professor in the department of business, internal auditor, chair of business and computer science department, and President of the university. He currently resides in Milwaukee, WI working towards promoting education and community development. Gulzar loves to teach and make a positive influence on the life of his students.
In Gratitude and Love,
Pastor Judine