Seeking the face of God… Local ministers join together for the National Day of Prayer

Published 4:14 pm Thursday, May 7, 2020

By Ivan Sanders

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BY IVAN SANDERS
STAR STAFF
ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com
The third stanza of Amazing Grace has the following words:
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come.
Tis grace that’s led me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.
While during the time of COVID-19 that has impacted not only the United States but the whole world, Thursday’s local National Day of Prayer that took place at the Stateline Drive-In couldn’t have come at a better time as local ministers gathered to pray in concert with this year’s prayer theme – Praying God’s Glory Across the Earth.
And like the preceding stanza stated this is just another time in the history of the world that prayer is being lifted to pass through the dangers, toils, and snares that COVID-19 has brought.
The service was opened by Carter County Mayor Rusty Barnett who welcomed everyone in attendance who was following social distancing guidelines by staying in their vehicles and followed by Randy Johnson, Senior Pastor of Valley Forge Freewill Baptist Church, making the call to prayer.
After Johnson’s proclamation, local ministers stepped to the podium and offered prayer over different areas which Johnson said could be used as the roadmap for daily prayer.
The following ministers participated and the area they prayed over during the service.
Ray Amos – Elizabethton First United Methodist – healing on our land.
Greg Key – West Side Christian – government.
Marvin Slagle – Heartland Fellowship – healthcare workers.
Scott Fisher – Borderview Christian – essential workers.
David Seibenaler – Valley Forge Christian – military, law enforcement, and first responders.
Josh Scalf – Recovery Soldiers Ministries – community and ministries.
Dale Williams – lead in the singing of Amazing Grace.
Jason Payne – East River Park Christian – media.
Brent Nidiffer – Valley Forge United Methodist – economy.
Brandon Young – Harmony Freewill Baptist – education system.
Todd Hallman – Elizabethton First Baptist – churches.
Doug Hinshaw – Caldwell Springs Baptist – families.
Bobby Stout – Pleasant Beach Baptist – closing remarks and “The Lord’s Prayer”.
The National Day of Prayer originated on April 17, 1952, when President Harry Truman signed a bill proclaiming the National Day of Prayer into law in the United States.
President Ronald Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as the National Day of Prayer. The National Prayer Committee was formed in the United States in 1972.
The ministers wished to give thanks to Andy and Jenny Wetzel who own Stateline Drive-In, local churches and citizens, Carter County Mayor Barnett, Elizabethton City Mayor Curt Alexander, Elizabethton City Manager Daniel Estes, Dale Williams, W.B.E.J. radio, and all the local ministers for making the event possible on Thursday.

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