Orphan Run 4 Hope Part of Winterfest Activities
The International Youth and Discipleship department held a special “Orphan Run 4 Hope” event on Saturday, March 9, as part of Smoky Mountain Winterfest in Knoxville, Tenn. The Run took place at the Smoky Mountains Children’s Home in Sevierville, Tenn.
The purpose of the adventure run was to raise funds for over 50 orphanages in 27 countries, the overseas orphanages including Compassion Orphanage of the D.R. Congo, a mission project Smoky Mountain Children’s Home (SMCH) sponsors each month.
Participants in the March 9 run pose for a post-race photo (click photo to enlarge)
Over 70 runners participated in the event from five different states.
“God performed a miracle in the weather on this day,” stated Mark Swank, coordinator of Run 4 Hope. “The forecast was calling for rain at 2:00 p.m. all morning, but when the time came for the race, there was a break in the rain for the day. Participants were able to run in sunshine thanks to our God.”
Dr. Walt Mauldin, executive director of The Smoky Mountains Children’s Home, stated, “The ultimate benefit of the Run 4 Hope was the opportunity to host the event and then share with the youth groups information about SMCH’s ministry. Our goal is for everyone to know about the ministry opportunities for the youth who are placed on our campus.”
Swank expressed appreciation to the state directors: Brian Yaun from Tennessee, Landon Roberts from Western North Carolina and Matthew Propes from South Georgia. He also lauded Dr. Walt and Tammy Mauldin for letting the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home host the event on its 60 acres and provide tours of the home to participants.
Swank said Orphan Run 4 Hope plans to make this an annual event and, “we look forward to making an impact for these orphans through this run.”
(Source: Church of God Youth and Discipleship)
