NEWPORT, Tenn. — Zan Taylor, a layman and director of maintenance at West End Baptist Church in Newport, simply obeyed when he felt the Lord calling him to raise funds for flood victims from Hurricane Helene. 

An avid bowler, Taylor said he sensed that God wanted him to organize a bowl-a-thon and to set a goal of raising $30,000. He shared his idea with West End pastor Tom Mooty who enthusiastically endorsed the plan and said that West End would sponsor the event. 

Eighteen bowlers met at Victory Lanes in Newport on Nov. 18 after gathering pledges and donations. Not only did they exceed the goal, they more than doubled it. At last count, the effort had netted about $60,145. 

The church advertised the event and county first responder organizations joined the effort. The fire department displayed the American flag outside the bowling alley. “We went all out,” the pastor affirmed. “It was the most amazing thing I’ve been a part of.” 

“God showed up,” Taylor agreed. “It’s about listening to God. Amazing things happen when you do.” 

Add that money to the $33,100 that West End had collected from individuals and churches from all over the country after Hurricane Helene devastated Cocke County and other portions of northeast Tennessee and the congregation has collected $93,275 to date. 

Mooty was not surprised that they met the goal, but he didn’t expect the final total that was raised.

He realized that the effort was not about the bowling.

“People wanted to help,” Motty said. “They just needed a place to do it. We have seen people open their hearts.” 

Taylor and his pastor shared several stories of those who took part. One man who can barely walk and is on oxygen got up from his wheelchair and bowled two balls and raised $7,000, Mooty said.

Mooty’s 9-month-old great-grandson, Crew Ottinger, even participated. With the help of his parents, he kicked the ball down the lane three times for a spare and a strike. “He’s the youngest bowler in Cocke County,” Mooty said with a smile. 

Taylor was ecstatic that the event was so successful. “You can’t get any closer to God when you do what He wants you to do,” he said

The money has been sent to the East Tennessee Baptist Association where it will be used in Arise & Build efforts for flood victims in the county. Arise & Build is an effort established by the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board (TBMB) to help nearly 1,000 families whose homes were destroyed or received major damage from Helene in northeast Tennessee, from Newport to Mountain City and in between, according to Randy C. Davis, TBMB president and executive director. 

Mike Hensley is director of missions for East Tennessee Baptist Association.

“Everything that West End does is done first-class,” Hensley said, adding that the funds provided from West End will be added to other funds received to help those in the county who need it. The association has established a committee to vet the people who seek the funds. 

“We will account for every dollar received and make sure it goes to the people based on need and circumstance,” he said. 

The association also is helping its two churches that were flooded — Riverview Baptist and Denton Baptist — as well as reaching out to four independent Baptist congregations in the county, Hensley added. 

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Lonnie Wilkey is editor of the Baptist and Reflector, newsjournal of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. This story originally appeared in the Baptist and Reflector.)