By Joel Spears
Features Editor

ROGERSVILLE - As part of a six-and-a-half week tour in the United States Living Hope's Angels, a group of orphaned Chinese performers ranging in ages from 12 to 15 years old, will be the center of attention during a one-time performance this Saturday, Feb. 27 at Rogersville Middle School.
    Members of the group have traveled across the world from their home country, China. Each of them have also at some point in their lives been orphaned, but continue to live with purpose and meaning far greater than themselves.
    These "angels" are part of the program Living Hope International, a non-profit, charity established in 1994 to give orphaned and less fortunate children an opportunity to experience the love, safety and hope that can be offered through an environment of extended family.
    Each child became part of the Living Hope program after having lived  much of their life in a tragic background, often complicated by disappointment and an uncertain future.
    However, once they become part of the LHI program, hey are offered an education in areas such as music, dance and sport. This particular dance team is part of Living Hope's Fang Shan Training Center and make up a team that exemplifies the hard work on behalf of its efforts.
    Following numerous attempts in the past five years to bring their performance skills to the U.S. the children were last year granted permission by the Chinese government to come stateside and share their talents, as well as stories of courage, with area schools, churches and civic organizations.
    Having been sponsored by many individuals or groups in the U.S., these children are also for the first time getting to meet many of their supporters from across the world, including Hawkins County.
    Locally, Burem Missionary Baptist Church has worked with Living Hope. Along with The Bridge Baptist Church both congregations have brought the "angels" to Rogersville.
    Burem Pastor George "Fuzz" Bradley said, "It is so wonderful. They're so talented and we want people to meet these children, hear them sing and listen to what they have to say. They are full of love."
    Bradley has been to China on several occasions since the church became involved with LHI in 2004 and he said has seen first-hand the work it has accomplished. He also said the outcome has inspired him.
    "When you come from no hope and you have hope, you really appreciate it," he said. "We love our work with the orphanage and every experience in China has been wonderful. I encourage everybody to come see the show and watch how amazing these children are."
    The Angels will perform traditional Chinese dances and offer their own experiences as testimony to the benefits of LHI.
    Rogersville will be one of their final stops before returning to China.
    Pastor Bradley said more information about the program, how to sponsor a child, or even how to adopt children through LHI will be available at the free concert. Living Hope is also looking for volunteers to be involved in the program. There is no cost to attend.
    For more information, call (423) 921-4491 or 272-5486.
    The event is being hosted by Burem Missionary Baptist Church and The Bridge Baptist Church.
    Bradley said an additional performance will be offered at Burem Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, Feb. 28 during the morning worship service.