I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all our leaders
and for those who are in positions of authority, and for all peoples...
1 Timothy 2:1-2
Today is what is known in America as our National day of prayer...
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all our leaders
and for those who are in positions of authority, and for all peoples...
1 Timothy 2:1-2
Today is what is known in America as our National day of prayer...
Traditionally it's a time when people of faith join together in spirit to pray for our nation. Of course, this is not the only day to pray, but it is a day specifically set aside to lift up America, its leaders, and all its people.
And it was ten years ago today when, of all things, I was invited to be the keynote speaker for the National Day of Prayer gathering in the city of Suffolk, Virginia. Yes, believe it or not, I really was (Serial Killer Is Video Guest At Suffolk Prayer Event and Suffolk News Herald 5/03/2012 - Suffolk Celebrates Day of Prayer).
The invitation came as a surprise. It came from strangers. A decade ago, one of the planners for the City of Suffolk's event sent a request to the Office of New York State's Department of Correctional services asking if I could be their speaker. I had no idea this was going on until the senior chaplain at Sullivan Correctional facility, where I was housed at the time, approached me asking if I would be willing to do this. I was!
New York's Department of Corrections gave the okay. They saw no problem with this. Of course, it had to be done via video. It turned out well. I shared my story and how I came to faith in Christ with the audience, whom I believe was close to four hundred people.
The gathering was held in the City's Armory. Fliers put out in the community stated the event would be attended by "State and local leaders in politics... Delegates, Senators, Mayor, Councilmen, School Board Members, business leaders, leadership from the Joint Military Command, leaders from the medical community and student leaders from all the local high schools..." (according to a brochure that was put out by the event's organizers).
I tried hard to convince myself this was just a crazy dream. An invitation to speak at the 28th Annual Suffolk Leadership Prayer Breakfast? I didn't even know there was a city called Suffolk in Virginia. But I serve a God of miracles. Nothing is impossible for Him.
The video shoot went well. I was able to address those in attendance, and I was also asked to make the event's closing prayer. Only God could have arranged this. Of all people to invite to be the main speaker at this once-a-year event, they picked me. It left me feeling humbled and grateful.
D. B.
And it was ten years ago today when, of all things, I was invited to be the keynote speaker for the National Day of Prayer gathering in the city of Suffolk, Virginia. Yes, believe it or not, I really was (Serial Killer Is Video Guest At Suffolk Prayer Event and Suffolk News Herald 5/03/2012 - Suffolk Celebrates Day of Prayer).
The invitation came as a surprise. It came from strangers. A decade ago, one of the planners for the City of Suffolk's event sent a request to the Office of New York State's Department of Correctional services asking if I could be their speaker. I had no idea this was going on until the senior chaplain at Sullivan Correctional facility, where I was housed at the time, approached me asking if I would be willing to do this. I was!
New York's Department of Corrections gave the okay. They saw no problem with this. Of course, it had to be done via video. It turned out well. I shared my story and how I came to faith in Christ with the audience, whom I believe was close to four hundred people.
The gathering was held in the City's Armory. Fliers put out in the community stated the event would be attended by "State and local leaders in politics... Delegates, Senators, Mayor, Councilmen, School Board Members, business leaders, leadership from the Joint Military Command, leaders from the medical community and student leaders from all the local high schools..." (according to a brochure that was put out by the event's organizers).
I tried hard to convince myself this was just a crazy dream. An invitation to speak at the 28th Annual Suffolk Leadership Prayer Breakfast? I didn't even know there was a city called Suffolk in Virginia. But I serve a God of miracles. Nothing is impossible for Him.
The video shoot went well. I was able to address those in attendance, and I was also asked to make the event's closing prayer. Only God could have arranged this. Of all people to invite to be the main speaker at this once-a-year event, they picked me. It left me feeling humbled and grateful.
D. B.
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