The First Baptist Church and the Bay Leaf Baptist Church both in Raleigh, N.C. have been visiting Kenya to do missionary work for five years. The First Baptist Church decided they wanted to build an orphanage there, but was not certain how to raise the funds. Church member, Jessica Wyndham suggested the idea for a walk, Miles for Missions. The walk would also honor a long-time volunteer Karen Smith who had gone to Kenya twice and was a dedicated member of the Women’s Missionary Union. Smith passed away in January.

The Miles for Missions walk was a 5K run and walk event including a one mile “fun walk”. The event was held on Saturday, May 19th. The church raised $15,000 with their event and more than 200 enthusiastic walkers and runners participated in the event. $5,000 had been donated by the Bay Leaf Baptist Church which has partnered with the church for missionary work.

The walk went well and everyone agreed that this would be an annual fund-raising event for the orphanage.