Nation’s invocation

By ADRIA HAIRSTON
CNHI News Service

May 4, 2006

— PRINCETON — With heads bowed and eyes closed, residents gathered on one accord Thursday at the National Day of Prayer ceremony on the steps of the Mercer County Courthouse. Mercer County residents joined in the nationwide invocation with the theme, “America, Honor God.” to give thanks to Christ for watching over America, and asking Him to keep this nation’s soldiers safe while they battle on foreign soil. Global Outreach sponsored this year’s event, and several local people participated, relaying messages from Governor Joe Manchin III, US Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va. and President George W. Bush. Global Outreach’s Steve Newcomb read a statement issued by Rahall, in which he said, “On this special day, I plan to introduce a proposal in the U.S. House of Representatives, which will allow voluntary school prayer...Senator Byrd and I believe the framers of the Constitution made their intent clear when they wrote the First Amendment.” Rahall’s said in his statement that the nation’s forefathers wanted to keep the new government from endorsing one religion over another — not erase God from public consciousness. Manchin’s statement touched on the thought that prayer has been instrumental to this nation’s leaders in times of war and peace and was vital to the maintenance of a strong national character and necessary to secure God’s blessings upon the government and the people. Mercer County National Day of Prayer Coordinator, Sherry Meadows, read President Bush’s statement. “Throughout our nation’s history, our citizens have prayed and come together before God to offer Him gratitude, reflect on His will, seek His aid and respond to His grace...through prayer, our faith is strengthened, our hearts are humbled and our lives transformed. May our nation always have the humility to trust in the goodness of God’s plans.” Dr. Mick Patterson, founder and CEO of Global Outreach, spoke of the significance of the National Day of Prayer and prayer’s ability to change lives, circumstances and offer comfort to those who need it — now, more than ever. “Global Outreach recognizes the impact of our elected officials’ declaration of this as the National Day of Prayer. In concert with all of those who acknowledge this day, we will continue to recognize prayer in Mercer County and we encourage surrounding municipalities and counties to continue to do the same,” Patterson said. The Bluefield Virginia Ministerial Association sponsored their National Day of Prayer ceremony at the Graham Middle School auditorium, which began with a special youth rally with performances by area youth bands and choirs. Residents then joined for a non-denominational worship service. Pastor Wes Day of the Sago Baptist Church was the keynote speaker. Participants were lead in a special prayer for the leadership of Bluefield, Va., for the community of Bluefield, and inspirational words of hope for our nation. — Contact Adria Hairston at ahairston@bdtonline.com

With hands folded, Vendria Perkins, of Princeton, center, bows her head in prayer during the National Day of Prayer celebration on the lawn of the Mercer County courthouse Thursday. Bluefield Daily Telegraph