[ Home ] [ About DV ] [ Blog ] [ Christian Events ]

12/19/2005

Walk To Reclaim America Receives Generous Gift from 5th and 6th Graders

TANEYVILLE, Missouri, Dec. 19 /Christian Wire Service/ -- The Walk To Reclaim America project recently received a generous gift from a small group of 5th and 6th graders at New Beginnings Church in Taneyville, Missouri. The gift of $1071 was raised to buy a dozen pairs of shoes for Rick and Jane McKinney to use as they walk across America next year.

"Last Spring I preached a 'Reclaiming America' revival at their church," said McKinney. "The kids just really caught the vision of not only what America has become, but what it could be if we all do what we can to make a difference."

The small group, consisting of about 10-12 fifth and sixth graders, began doing car washes, ice cream sales, and a raffle in order to raise money.

"When the church called and asked us if we could come to the church to personally receive the money we hesitated," says Jane McKinney. "It was a 600 mile trip, but we knew no matter how much or how little money was involved we had to go. These folks had sacrificed and worked hard and we wanted to thank them in person."

In a special service, Pastors Austin and Shirley Sutton and the leaders of the 5th and 6th grade group, Tyler and Chasity Braden, presented Rick and Jane McKinney with a special stick of "dynamite." Named for their group, "The Dynamite Group" the special stick contains items to encourage the McKinneys next year during their walk.

"At this point the 5th and 6th graders started bringing little bundles of money and dropping it in a basket we were holding," says Rick McKinney. "They just kept bringing it until the basket was full. The total of $1071 was enough to buy nearly all of the shoes we will need next year."

Rick and Jane McKinney will begin their 2800 mile walk across America on January 1st in Los Angeles, California and will reach Washington DC on July 4th, 2006. Additional information about their walk can be found on their website, www.walktoreclaimamerica.com or you can contact them directly at (866) 462-7464 .