By Jim Nieman
Johnson University Professor of New Testament Dr. Heather Gorman went “Over the Edge” Saturday to help raise money for The Restoration House of East Tennessee.
Gorman rappelled down the 16-story Trotter/First Century Bank Building in downtown Knoxville and, in doing so, helped garner $1,685.01 in donations to help support and equip single-parent families. In total, 33 rappellers raised just over $81,000 for The Restoration House’s sixth-annual Over the Edge event.
Upon completing their descent, rappellers enjoyed a ground-level block party.
“While many people think I’m crazy for doing this, it was an easy decision for me,” Gorman said. “I’ve never been bothered by heights—I’ve bungee jumped more than once! But more importantly, I believe so deeply in the mission of The Restoration House, which was started by two Johnson University alumni, Daniel and Mandy Watson.”
“The Restoration House’s commitment to supporting and equipping single moms is such a beautiful expression of the family of God working to bring God’s kingdom and shalom into broken spaces in our world.”
“We have known Heather for years,” said Daniel Watson, whose family worships with the Gorman family. “[We were] thrilled to see her come alongside mother-led families in such an intentional way.”
“[Heather] not only rappelled and raised funds, but she helped get the word out about The Restoration House to the Johnson University family far and wide. To know that our Johnson University family is supportive of this mission of restoration means the world to Mandy and I.”
Gorman said rappelling down the outside of a building was “easy compared to the hard work that single parents do every day.”
The Restoration House typically comes alongside about 80 individuals representing 25 mother-led families in any given year, Daniel Watson said.
“After 14 years, we are as committed to the families of The Restoration House as ever,” he said.
Jim Nieman serves as managing editor of Christian Standard.
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