ALCOA, Tenn. (Feb. 16, 2015) -- Participants in three winter spiritual weekends kicked off Holston's annual missions emphasis with total offerings of $13,707 for children in poverty.

Bishop Dindy Taylor recently announced through a video a campaign for every Holston church member to give $10 and 10 hours of service to help needy children. The goal is to raise at least $180,000 by Annual Conference in June. Each of Holston's 12 district will then receive $15,000 for ministries serving children in poverty.

The 11,040 youth and counselors attending Resurrection, held Jan. 16-18 and Jan. 23-25 in Gatlinburg, Tenn., gave a total $10,747 to begin the Annual Conference offering, organizers said.

The 867 participants of Rez Kidz, a retreat for families held Jan. 18-19 in Gatlinburg, gave $1,428.

The 454 participants of Divine Rhythm, a retreat for young adults held Jan. 30-Feb. 1 in Gatlinburg, gave $1,532.

Participants at Resurrection also gave a total of $27,759 to Youth Service Fund, which aids ministries serving youth.

Find out more about Holston's Annual Conference offering for children in poverty.