National Day of Prayer Event set for Thursday at Grainger Stadium

Across the nation, Thursday will be a time of prayer and reflection.

There will be an event from noon to 1 p.m. at Grainger Stadium, with numerous guests and denominations coming in to pray over the community. Brenda McLamore, who is facilitating the event, said she’s excited about the parties involved.

“We’ll have different clergy pray for our first responders, the police and military among others,” McLamore said. “Judge Imelda Pate and Commissioner Chairwoman Linda Rouse Sutton will be a couple of the guest speakers and Kinston Teens founder Chris Suggs will deliver a prayer for the youth and educational system. The Bethel Academy choir will also render two or three selections for us.

“What I love about the National Day of Prayer is the different faiths and denominations coming together. Prayer is one of the most powerful forces in the universe with love being another, and the way the world is going we need both. They’re powerful entities that teach us to be kind, humble, sweet and show concern for others. The Bible says we should love thy neighbor as we love ourselves and as long as we have that and God’s love, we can create a better community.”

Groundbreakers founding pastor Sherri Ezzell said she encourages the public to come out in droves for the event.

“The theme is ‘love one another’ and our focus will be toward those in need,” Ezzell said. “There will be plenty of prayer points, with the government, churches in the community, schools and the abortion issue will play a role. There will be an encouragement of more love in areas and overall we’re hoping the people will come out and worship with us.”