Alfred Lackey, president of Kids Alive International, with its dedication to rescuing orphans and vulnerable children, will speak on the topic "It Starts with a Child,'' from 7 to 8 p.m. today in the Hall of Christ in Chautauqua Institution.
Since October 1996, Lackey has overseen the worldwide ministry of Kids Alive in Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and the Pacific Rim.
From its beginnings in 1916, in Shantung Province, China, Kids Alive has expanded worldwide, providing children's homes, care centers, schools and community outreach programs, while meeting children's spiritual, physical, educational and emotional needs. Kids Alive helps care for thousands of children by providing the love and care every child deserves, raising them to be contributing members of their society.
Frequently speaking in churches, Rotary Clubs and other professional organizations, Lackey often is invited to speak at the Gull Lake and Maranatha National Conferences in Michigan. He was one of the guest speakers at the 2010 General Convention for the International Order of the Kings Daughters and Sons in Chautauqua.
Lackey graduated with a bachelor's degree from John Brown University and a master's degree from Eastern Michigan University. Prior to joining Kids Alive, Lackey served for 17 years as executive director of Cedar Lake Conference Center in Cedar Lake, Indiana.
The Rev. Joan Brown Campbell, director of Chautauqua Institution's Department of Religion, has a sister, Betty, who along with her husband, Gus Stralnic, spent 28 years as missionaries and children's home founders in Hong Kong associated with Kids Alive.
The public is welcome to attend Monday's program sponsored by Chautauqua Christian Fellowship and co-sponsored by the Chautauqua Department of Religion.
There is a fee to enter Chautauqua Institution and a parking fee. There is no additional charge for attending the Kids Alive program once inside Chautauqua Institution.