A large crowd filled the CR Smith Museum in Fort Worth on May 4 and heard inspirational stories of orphans' struggles and successes amidst World War II aircraft. Allies in Youth Development hosted a National Day of Prayer awareness event at the museum and welcomed guest speakers Megan Alexander and Amy Ryan, founder of the Flying Squirrel Coffee Company in Mansfield. 

Ms. Alexander, an Emmy-nominated national TV host and best-selling author of various books, shared stories of her experience in the media industry and how our identity in Christ should mold our thoughts and actions. She discussed how God sends people who are willing to serve to dark places to bring light to the oppressed. She also stressed the importance of giving back to the next generation. 

Ms. Ryan shared stories of her life, going into foster care at age 2 in west Philadelphia. Her mother had four children by age 21 and was unable to care for them due to addiction and prostitution. Tragedy struck her younger brother, but Ms. Ryan said, "Even in the darkest of times, God finds a way to bring light to a dark story." She was then adopted by a father who was an American Airlines pilot and a mother who was a travel agent. Because of her time in foster care, orphans hold a special place in Ms. Ryan's heart. She chose Allies to benefit from the Flying Squirrel's 3rd Annual Give Back Day to help orphans, and has since been a supporter.

Pastor Sam Russo, Life.Church Mansfield, prayed over the event along with Pastor Travis Modrall of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield who led the crowd in a prayer for the organization, the leadership, and the orphans. Allies supporter Bob Neal also led a prayer for children living through war in Ukraine, and Allies Founder & CEO Chris Burgin talked about the amazing advances in the mentoring and tutoring programs – specifically how Allies reached their goal of 100 monthly visits to orphanages. 

We’re grateful for Louis Fawcett of NANOE for MCing the event and providing guidance. 

The invitation-only event drew in over 125 people. If you would like to learn more about helping orphans or how you can host an event benefitting Allies and the orphans, contact Debbie at debbie@alliesyouth.org.