A Cullman native recently pedaled his bicycle through Atmore, as a part of his 425-mile journey across the state of Alabama to raise awareness of a Christian orphanage in the nation in Honduras.

Tony Camardella passed through downtown Atmore last Wednesday afternoon, after previously pedaling most of U.S. Highway 31 in the state of Alabama. His journey began Nov. 7, near the Tennessee state line in the town of Ardmore.

Camardella even titled his trek, “Shining a Light on Hope: From Ardmore to Atmore (and then onto Mobile).”
“The 31 is also significant,” Camardella said. “The three stands for the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and the one represents Jesus, who said ‘I am the One Way.’ I’m hoping that maybe people will look at the Highway 31 sign differently, and keep that message in mind.”

The subject of Camardella’s journey is to tell citizens about “The Hope House,” a Christian orphanage in the Central American country of Honduras. An Alabama native, Angie McInvale, founded the orphanage, and Camardella has previously visited it.

“This orphanage serves a great need in that part of the world,” Camardella said. “I’m just trying to tell people about it and ask if they can help support it. The biggest thing that they need are regular partners that will help support its missions.”

Most days, Camardella began his day at 7 a.m., travelling during the day and spending nights at various churches or homes. In Atmore, he stayed with a couple who picked him up at the country club and then took him to church that night.

“I enjoyed their company and their church family and got the chance to tell them about Hope House,” Camardella said. “I’m just really grateful for the time I’ve had, and the people that have been put in my life to make the trip successful.”

Camardella completed his trip in Mobile on Saturday. For more information about the orphanage, visit www.hopehouse.info, or search for “Tony Camardella” on Facebook.