Dr. Walt Mauldin, Executive Director of Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, began his presentation by focusing on the two bicycles and those who made the gifts possible: David Bennett, Executive Director of keepinitmovin.org of the Steve Ping Foundation; along with Wendell Burton and his wife Susie Ping-Burton; Wanda Rabon of the Kentucky State Women’s Discipleship; and Pastor Johnny and Marlene Dunbar from the Heritage Hope Church of God in Somerset, Kentucky. They all united their efforts to make possible the gifts of, not just two bicycles, but a “bicycle for every resident and all house-parent children on campus: a total of 85 bicycles.” Excitement permeated the atmosphere as a thunderous applause resounded through the Moffett Dining Hall. What a momentous ending to such an exciting evening!
These wonderful friends of SMCH gave away 85 brand new bicycles to our children and youth. Each child now has a new bicycle of his/her very own, and they will have the opportunity to take it home with them when they leave SMCH.
Mauldin commented, “Our prayer is that this special foundation, state organization, and local congregation will continue to prosper because of the sacrifices and efforts they made to bless our children. Their giving is what the Kingdom of God is all about!”
Jesus said, “As you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto Me”…even if it means giving a bicycle! So, instead of a bicycle built for two…it ended up being a bicycle built for 85!
(Source: By Coleman Peacock, Smoky Mountain Children’s Home)