Orphanage Agency Raises $710,000
Serving Orphans Worldwide (SOW), an orphanage ministry that was born in the Church of God, celebrated a successful fundraising event in Bristol, Virginia, September 13-14, and raised more than $710,000 for support of children.
The agency was founded primarily to rescue troubled orphanages, and functions by providing supplementary operational funds, training orphanage administrators and workers, and requiring accountability for management. The annual budget of $1.2 million helps resource 45 homes for children and feeding centers in 25 countries.
“The United Nations calculates that 154 million orphans—victims of war, starvation, disease, neglect, and abandonment—confront the world and need to be cared for,” said SOW Chief Operational Officer Richard Baker. “The Bible lets us know that caring for widows and orphans is the mark of pure and undefiled religion. We are called to take care of these helpless children.”
SOW operates somewhat differently than most childcare agencies, in that the board of directors pays all administrative and fundraising costs, making it possible for 100 percent of donations to go directly to orphanages. Because of the present interdenominational makeup of the board, SOW now sponsors children’s homes from various church groups. Dr. John Gregory, a businessman and member of the Church of God in Bristol, chairs the board.
The combination dinner and golf tournament in Bristol attracted 310 guests who gave money, placed bids on donated items, and participated in the golf competition. Guest speakers included Ann Graham, daughter of the famous evangelist; Richard Petty, the NASCAR celebrity; Ken Anderson, Church of God missionary in Asia, and General Overseer Mark L. Williams.
(By Bill George, Board Secretary, SOW)
