SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Brian Dollar is challenging the kids in his ministry to challenge him. While the children are collecting pledges, Dollar is camping out on top of a North Little Rock, Ark., billboard. He's not alone.
Fourteen Assemblies of God (A/G) pastors are taking the challenge Sept. 16-22 to raise $1 million for several of the denomination's children's ministries, according to the A/G News Service.
The "Up in the Air for Kids" event began last year when Jay Risner, children's pastor at James River Assembly in Ozark, Mo., raised more than $160,000 by camping out on a billboard. Risner spent 10 days overlooking U.S. Hwy. 65 and had no trouble exceeding his $100,000 goal.
This year's event is raising awareness and money for the A/G Boys and Girls Missionary Crusade. Pastors in 10 states -- including Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Iowa, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Alaska -- are taking part.
Money raised will support children's homes, child placement services, camping facilities and Hispanic outreach programs for children among other efforts. A Web site for the event includes photo updates and information on making online contributions.
