Smoky Mountain Children’s Home Receives Donation of 85 Bicycles
Sevierville, TN– It was a festive occasion, and the evening was filled with fun, awards, and good food as everyone enjoyed the Christmas banquet at Smoky Mountain Children’s Home. Laughter, speeches, and presentations dominated the atmosphere with no anticipation of what was about to come. Just when everyone thought the evening was concluded, two bicycles were brought out and set in front of the stage…one for a boy and one for a girl. Everyone quieted, thinking that the two final gifts were about to be presented to two lucky recipients. Anticipation filled the hearts of every boy and girl in the room for these were not just ordinary bicycles…they ranged upward in price from $150 to as much as $250 each.
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)
