By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
The community National Day of Prayer observance was held Thursday, May 5, on the lawn in front of Atmore City Hall. Dozens came out to unite in prayer and Bible reading.
This year’s theme was “Exalt the Lord who has established us.” (Colossians 2:6-7)
The Rev. Josh Long, pastor of Unity Baptist Church, moderated the program. He spoke briefly about the freedom to pray in the name of Jesus.
Debra Ann Crabtree, NDOP Region 6 Director, made her first visit to Atmore’s program. It was by design as she had heard so much about the program here and wanted to be part of it. She also brought prophetic words for the state.
Everyone joined in singing “God Bless America,” followed by the Rev. Kevin Garrett’s opening prayer for America. Atmore First Assembly Royal Rangers and Boy Scouts presented colors and led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Jessica Caraway sang the National Anthem, and Mayor Jim Staff read the proclamation declaring May 5 as National Day of Prayer in Atmore and encouraging all citizens to join in the observance,
As is tradition in the Atmore NDOP, Willonette Hammond blew the shofar to indicate the beginning of prayers – the Rev. Jim Thorpe, Prayer of Repentance; Robert Harrison, Prayer for First Responders.
Attendees broke into groups to pray for specific topics:
- Prayers for Government – led by the Rev. Willie Hawthorne
- Prayers for Church – led by the Rev. Michael Wilson
- Prayers for Military – led by Allen Minchew and VFW Chaplain Paul Harrison
- Prayers for Family – led by Minister Isabell Brazzell
- Prayers for Education – led by the Rev. Coleman Wallace, who is also president of the Escambia County Board of Education
- Prayers for Media – led by Bishop Bernard Bishop
- Prayers for Business – led by the Rev. Jim Thorpe
Following prayer, everyone was invited to join in Bible reading, with Dietrich Bondurant closing the service with a trumpet solo.
While the NDOP observance was going on, Miss Flippy Toe held a children’s prayer service in the RPM trailer for ages 5 years through sixth grade.
Members of the Atmore National Day of Prayer Committee are Linda Godwin, Linda Albritton, Urla Boggan, Marcia Green, Jean Johnson, Edna Powers, and Thelma Powers.