Cleanup and repairs are underway at the Paul Anderson Youth Home (PAYH) following more than 100 downed trees and storm damage to several campus buildings. However, the challenges did not deter the Home from holding its annual Founders’ Day and Day of Prayer, a birthday celebration honoring the legacy of Paul Anderson and his wife, Glenda. 

The traditional prayer service at the knoll where Paul is buried was relocated due to extensive tree damage in that area. Staff thoughtfully chose the round patio behind the main house porch, a favorite spot of Paul’s where he enjoyed writing letters and keeping a watchful eye on the boys. 

“We can’t reach that part of the campus yet with the downed trees still being cleaned up, so we did what Paul would do. We found a way to make it happen and keep this wonderful tradition alive,” said PAYH co-founder Glenda Anderson Leonard. “Throughout Paul’s life, he demonstrated the strength and perseverance of Jesus Christ and his disciples, overcoming the impossible again and again to reach his goals. Our boys are doing the same with the storm cleanup and this spirit was evident during Founders' Day.”

After gathering at the round patio, the boys embarked on a campus prayer walk, pausing to offer prayers at significant locations, including the dining hall, gym, office and cottages. They prayed for healing from the hurricane's devastation, the Lord's continued guidance, physical, emotional and spiritual health for all, as well as blessings for volunteers and staff. The boys also prayed for strength and endurance, wisdom and guidance for office staff, and happiness, safety, recovery and a sense of belonging for everyone involved in the program.

“This year’s Founders’ Day took on a special meaning in light of the recent hurricane,” said PAYH Executive Director Betty Burris. “The storm presented challenges but it also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, community and resilience. Our prayer walk provided an opportunity for the boys to come together, offer support for each other and find strength in their faith.”

The day concluded with activities focused on physical conditioning, a core aspect of the PAYH program. Along with education, Bible study, mentoring and counseling, Paul's commitment to physical fitness served as another way to honor God.

Dubbed "The World's Strongest Man" during the height of his fame in the 1950s, Toccoa, Georgia, native Paul Anderson won the gold medal and set an Olympic record in weightlifting at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. He also won gold at the 1955 World Championships. In 1961, after years as a goodwill ambassador during the Cold War, he and his wife Glenda founded PAYH to provide a safe and supportive Christian environment for young men in need of a second chance. Since then, PAYH’s Christ-centered program has changed the lives of more than 1,400 young men who were facing incarceration and dealing with emotional challenges and substance abuse.

To learn more about Paul Anderson Youth Home and the recovery program, please visit www.payh.org.