Kathy Breckler, Food for the Hungry executive director, center, speaks at the morning service of Praisestock 2024. Also pictured are Jerry Scott, host of Praisestock 2024, left, and Austin Swallow, president of FFTH. Credit: Submitted

MOUNT VERNON—On Aug. 20, approximately 600 area residents attended Praisestock 2024 at Ariel-Foundation Park’s Schnormeier Event Center. The day was dedicated to joining together to praise God and carry His message into the community while also raising $1,389.29 for Food for the Hungry of Knox County.

Praisestock 2024 featured a morning worship service led by Hospice Chaplain Dave Matos,. The afternoon included worship teams from First Church of the Nazarene, Set Free Ministries, Salvation Army, Covenant Christian Church, Trinity Worship Center and the band Chestnut Ridge.

The day concluded with an emotional joint performance of all teams and bands joining voices with “How Great Thou Art, Until That Day.”

Over 20 exhibitors were on-site, sharing their mission and Christian ministry and providing stories and information to the Praisestock attendees.

Sponsoring churches Covenant Christian Church, Owl Creek Baptist Church, Trinity Worship Center, Faith Lutheran Church, Set Free Ministries, and Salvation Army provided financial and logistical support. The food vendors, WNZR, Mount Vernon Arts Consortium, and Ariel-Foundation Park provided additional support.

Praisestock Director Dave Ewart announced Praisestock 2025 will return on Sunday, Aug. 17, to the Schnormeier Event Center Ariel-Foundation Park. The first planning meeting for the 2025 event will be on Jan. 14, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Covenant Christan Church.

Praisestock is directed by a volunteer board of directors in partnership with several local churches and ministries. Together, they offer our community a day of worship, service, and gratitude. Praisestock also provides financial support for Food for the Hungry and provides a place and time to interact with many essential Christian service ministries.

Praisestock is a 501c3 organization. Tax-deductible contributions enable the organization to continue its mission of praising God and supporting those in need. Visit www.praisestock.org for more information, and follow us on Facebook @praisestock. Churches and individuals wanting to participate should contact Dave Ewart at 740-627-7440 or Ben Staats at 740-501-5480.