Dozens gather for national prayer event
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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Prayers for the nation, as well as families, the military, media, educators, government and churches were shared during the 72nd National Day of Prayer.
The event held at noon Thursday at Hollidaysburg Legion Park was attended by dozens of people, many of whom waited in their cars for the event to begin as the spring weather waffled between rain and sun.
"We had very inclement weather for May, but the Lord opened up a window of blue skies and sunshine for our time here in the park," said Michael Dull, vice president of The Way Truth Ministries.
Despite the unsettled weather, he said the turnout was great for the annual nationwide event.
Dave Kolarczyk of Altoona said he attends the event each year and helps set up the chairs.
"It is a great thing to keep going," he said of the event. "Prayer is a very important thing for our country."
In his opening prayer, Dull thanked God for the privilege to gather together, and as a nation. "We pray that you will answer each and every prayer according to your will."
A number of pastors throughout the area shared prayers including Pastor Jon Gross and Jethniel Wyler of Puzzletown Road Bible Church, Pastor Tim Allen of Faith Baptist of Altoona, and Pastor Mark Mahan of Community Baptist Church of Altoona.
Gross's prayer focused on families, the "backbone of society," he said, noting that attacks on the family and instances of divorce seem to be on the rise.
Allen prayed for the churches, seeking guidance and direction from God. He prayed people of the church would love God with a passion that would turn into a flame.
Mahan prayed government leaders and officials on all levels would do justice and that God would direct them toward the right path.
The armed forces, media and educators were the focus of Wyler's prayer in which he expressed gratitude to military members for their sacrifice, and to the media for delivering the news.
Wyler also prayed for God to be with educators as they teach children.
David Butterbaugh, pastor of Independent Christian Church and an Altoona city councilman, shared the main message and said those who are having a hard time or feel that something is not right in their lives should take their problems to God.
For Kathie and Ron Beatty of Altoona, God is the foundation of their lives and prayer is very important.
They have been attending the National Day of Prayer for many years and were thrilled with both the weather and the turnout.
"It was a nice day, the weather was beautiful," Kathie Beatty said.
As the primary election is just a few weeks away, Kathie Beatty said government officials are on her mind. She prayed that the best people possible are elected.
Ron Beatty said the county and beyond needs the support of churches and the work that they do.
The country is in need of prayer, said Stacey Kensinger of Williamsburg.
"We need help from the Lord to make good decisions," she said.
Carrie Biddle of Martinsburg and the director for Child Evangelism Fellowship said the sunshine during the program was a great example of God's blessings.
"It's great that people came out today to pray for our nation," she said.
Biddle said all of the prayers given by the pastors resonated with her.
"We need prayer for our government on all levels and we need Christians to run for more offices," she said.
Monica Showalter of Duncansville said she attends the annual event because she feels prayer is important, and admits to being concerned about all the happenings in the world today.
"I'm worried about the country and about how people seem to not care about God these days," she said.
During her personal prayer time, she makes sure to think of her family and the families of others, the country and for people to return to faith.
"We have this freedom to gather to pray and to worship -- we shouldn't take that for granted," Dull said.
Mirror Staff Writer Cati Keith is at 814-946-7535.