Crowds Gathered For One Purpose: Prayer!

Those driving by the Winthrop Pole Barn on Bloomingdale Avenue Thursday between 6:30 and 8 p.m. most likely saw the parking lot packed to the gills with cars. Under the pavillion were around 200 residents from all denominations gathered together for one purpose...to pray.

The evening began at 6:30 with worship music and praise from some local talent. Most of the presenters and talents names were withheld to avoid drawing attention to one specific denomination during the evening.

Since Bell Shoals Baptist Church was the sponsoring church for the area's National Day of Prayer event, senior pastor Dr. Stephen Rummage kicked off the evening reading proclamations from President Barack Obama. 

All of the attendees were upbeat, singing and ready to pray together as a community for the military, nation and economy as well as the community in which they live.  A prayer guide was handed out since actual led prayer did not  take place.

Various worship leaders from the community spoke for a few moments with Spanish interpretation and interpreters for the deaf on hand to guide individual and small group prayer. 

"We want you to pray for what you believe and feel comfortable that it is your word" said Rummage. 

Some local leaders were present, including Dr. Stacy White, School Board District 4 representative, who said he felt it was especially important to pray for the community, teachers and students.