Community Day of Prayer
by Gail Lester
"God’s Compassion — Seeing with New Eyes" was the theme for this year’s day of prayer. It made me think about what a wonderful thing is God’s compassion. Because of His great compassion He sent a Savior into the world, and all who believe receive His compassion everyday.
What a great evening at Fairplay Baptist Church! Ramona Booth (PGBC) introduced Pastor Terry Willoughby (Fairplay), who welcomed all who attended. Six attended from PGBC.
Mirian Tiller (Fairplay) read a message from Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer President Dorothy Selebano, Africa. Elsie Hall (Colbert Grove) gave the devotional. Beverly Chandler (Moons Grove) sang “With New Eyes” and led us in some choruses and hymns. Rev. Mike Sarna (Meadow) lead us in Bible Study.
Brenda Chandler (Union) shared a response to God’s compassion written by a woman convert from Islam.
Frances Green and the Madison County Choir entertained us with two songs. Frances shared that the choir will be glad to welcome any new members.
Following the choir program, we broke up into prayer groups. Each group represented a particular country with its on special prayer needs. We could choose between Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, North America, or South West Pacific. Lane and I met with the Latin America group, led by Rev. Robbie Gantt (Shady Creek). Our own pastor led the Africa group.
After the time of prayer, we came together again in the church sanctuary, and Pastor Willoughby closed with a unique benediction by beginning it with a musical benediction “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” and those who knew it joined in. Then he gave a formal benediction.
I think it’s safe to say that all who attended were blessed by a coming together of the community to worship and pray.