57th Annual Event Was Observed At Courthouse, Several Schools

By NELSON MORAIS

Staff Writer

Approximately 65 people gathered at noon Thursday at the Greene County Courthouse to participate in the observance of National Day of Prayer.

In addition to the courthouse event, several local schools observed the National Day of Prayer by gathering before school hours to pray at their schools' flagpoles. (Please see accompanying article on Page A-6.)

The theme for the 57th Annual National Day of Prayer this year was "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield."

It is based on the verse from Psalm 28:7, which states: "The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusted in Him and I am helped."

'In Need of Prayers'

In brief remarks, Greeneville Mayor Darrell Bryan said, "These days, it can be safely said that our nation, Tennessee and Greene County needs our prayers."

He quoted Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts football team that won the Super Bowl two years ago, as having said, "My heart has been changed through prayer. If it can change one man, it can change an entire nation."

Greene County Mayor Alan Broyles said he spoke on behalf of himself and the 21 county commissioners in proclaiming a National Day of Prayer in Greene County.

'Greatest Miracle'

"This country is the greatest miracle on earth," Broyles said.

He continued, "The reason we are here today is because God has blessed us and answered our prayers. We stand as a free society, and we're grateful for that.

"My prayer is our freedom and liberty will continue. We are living in troubled times, and we must trust in God."

The prayer event on Thursday was sponsored by the Greeneville-Greene County Ministerial Association.

Biblical Quotation

The Rev. Larrie Pike, pastor of Campground Church of God and president of the association, quoted Jeremiah 3:3, where God told the prophet Jeremiah, "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."

"Prayer is a privilege God has given us," Rev. Pike said. God "wants to respond to each one of us, but we must ask."

The crowd, which included over a dozen students from Towering Oaks Christian Academy, split into six prayer circles where people ranging in number from four to 15 held hands and took turns praying.

People prayed for about 15 minutes about the nation, elected and appointed leaders, and American military personnel stationed overseas and their separated families, among other things.

Sherry Stockton said she came to the event "to seek the Lord and pray for our nation, our leaders."

She said of the event, "I think it was good. I've been blessed." "It was good," she repeated.

Low Turnout Lamented

Darlene Pike said, "It's sad we don't have a bigger turnout, (however) I think it's wonderful when we can come together no matter the denomination. We can learn so much from each other at events like these."

William Arterburn said of the event, "It was absolutely wonderful. The Lord has pushed back the enemy (Satan) for a season, and He wants His children to step forward in the power He's given us to reclaim our nation."

Music was provided by Jan Rogers and her son, Dr. Jon Rogers.

Rev. Pike said in closing, "I came expecting God to listen and respond. Give God a hand." Those present applauded.