There is no doubt that our country is facing many serious
problems today: soldiers dying in Afghanistan and Iraq,
homelessness, drug abuse, high unemployment, schools facing
bankruptcy
– the list could continue.
There is no doubt that our country is facing many serious problems today: soldiers dying in Afghanistan and Iraq, homelessness, drug abuse, high unemployment, schools facing bankruptcy – the list could continue.
For those who put trust in God to see us through these challenges, a special event is being held in Morgan Hill, a National Day of Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 6, from 7 to 9 a.m. Christians from many traditions will gather at Crossroads Christian Center, 145 Wright Avenue, for an inspiring morning.
At least seven local churches have been involved in planning this event, which is open to the whole community. The welcoming address will be given by the Rev. Roger Malech of Morgan Hill Bible Church. Among the other speakers scheduled are following pastors: Sammy Vazquez, Crossroads Christian Center; Mark Matthison, Church of the Valley; Edd Breedon, San Martin Presbyterian Church; Mike Stewart, First Baptist Church; Mark Inouye, Morgan Hill Presbyterian Church; Larry McElvain, Morgan Hill Bible Church; Christian Zorio, West Hills Community Church.
After a continental breakfast and some worship songs, the morning will follow this format: a pastor will offer prayer on a particular topic, followed by an appropriate Bible passage read by a lay person, and a song will be led by Eric Painter, worship leader at Church of the Valley. Then time will be allowed for participants to offer their own prayers in response.
The topics to be addressed are all relevant for our lives today: National Repentance; Healthy Families and Marriages; Humility, Vision and Compassion for Churches; Local, State, National Leaders; Military; Religious Freedom. Comments, prayer, and closing remarks will conclude the program.
Wanda Puder, coordinator of the Prayer Breakfast, invites all residents to attend, saying: “This is the one event of the year that Bible-believing Christians can gather together to worship and pray together for our nation.”
President George W. Bush and all 50 governors have proclaimed May 6 the 53rd annual National Day of Prayer. An estimated 40,000 coordinators and volunteers will host similar events at courthouses, state capitals, city halls, and other locations across the country. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring.”
The idea of a National Day of Prayer predates the nation itself because the Continental Congress set aside a day of prayer in 1775. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a day of “prayer, fasting, and humiliation.” President Harry Truman signed a resolution passed by Congress in 1952 that initiated the modern observance.
In 1988 President Ronald Reagan designated the first Thursday in May as the official National Day of Prayer. Now, each year the President signs a proclamation asking people in the nation to come together to pray for our country.
The cost for the Morgan Hill National Day of Prayer Breakfast Program is only $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased at any participating church or BookSmart , 17415 Monterey Street.
Chuck Flagg teaches English at Mt. Madonna High School in Gilroy. He lives in Morgan Hill with his wife and two sons. For correspondence, write him at The Times, 30 E. Third St., Morgan Hill, 95037.
