Sevierville, TN–ALYN Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel received nearly $10,000 in donations received from the “A Night to Honor Israel” event hosted by Parkway Church of God in Sevierville, Tennessee, held on Monday October 19. The donations were received through sponsorships and a collection taken up that night. ALYN Hospital is a state-of-the-art facility with cutting-edge treatments for children from Israel’s Jewish, Arab, Christian, and Druze communities.
A number of local pastors participated in the event. Either sponsoring or attending were Rev. Steve Craft of Victory Baptist Church in Maryville, Rev. Sandra Roach of Life Changers International Church in Pigeon Forge, Rev. Victor Alley of Sevierville Church of God, Rev. Scott Turner of Seymour Church of God, and host pastor Rev. Philip Morris of Parkway Church of God. Numerous other congregations from the area were also represented.
Special guests included Ambassador Judith Varnai Shorer (Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States) and Rabbi Jonathan Hausman (Ahavath Torah Congregation in Stoughton, Massachusetts). Laurie Cardoza-Moore (Proclaiming Justice to the Nations) was also a guest speaker. Special music was provided by gospel music recording artist Steve Fry of The Gate Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee.
Lee Lofton of Sevierville sang the national anthem. The Israeli national anthem, Ha Tikvah, was performed by Charlene Gubitz of Knoxville. Rev. Joe Green, Outreach Director for ALYN, said, “It is encouraging to know that so many Christians stand in support of our only ally in the Middle East. Monday night was a strong statement of the American Church to the Israeli people, and an even stronger statement to ALYN, by their willingness to give so much to the ALYN Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel. It is a night that will remain foremost in our hearts and minds.”
The grand total for the evening was $9,542.95 for ALYN Hospital, and other money has also been pledged.
“It was such an honor to host this event,” said Pastor Morris. “When we bless Israel, we will be blessed! I am thankful for this opportunity to honor Israel!”
Further information on ALYN can be viewed on their website at www.alyn.org.