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A day to pray
Valley faithful participate in national observance
By LINDA M. LINONIS
youngstown
Jonathan Moore, senior pastor of Highway Tabernacle in Austintown, asked the crowd at the National Day of Prayer observance Thursday to follow the words of an African proverb to rid the Valley of drugs, gangs, abuse, violence, racism, greed and corruption.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others,” he said of the advice he learned when he and his family spent five years in mission work in Africa.
Pastor Moore was keynote speaker at the prayer event in Central Square, corner of Market and West Federal streets, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Between 150 and 200 people of all ages turned out to pray under sunny skies.
The event organized by the City Prayer Team of Youngstown was in conjunction with other observances across America. The idea came after a 1952 revival in Washington, D.C., by the Rev. Billy Graham.
Pastor Moore said apathy in the face of social injustice is silent approval.
“The fabric of faith that helped create democracy is being torn apart,” he said, noting people of faith must “gather with purpose” to combat sins of all sorts.
“What will you say when God asks you what you did in moments of moral crisis?” he asked.
But Pastor Moore said people of faith aren’t alone when they tackle difficult challenges. Citing Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them,” he said. “God is there to help us. ... We only need to ask for his help through prayer.”
Bishop C.J. Jenkins of Grace Evangelistic Temple served as master of ceremonies. He said prayer brings people together and cited a portion of a passage from Esther 4:14, “and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?”
Mayor Jay Williams, who also spoke briefly, said the Pledge of Allegiance mentions “one nation under God,” and Americans turn to God and prayer during “dark hours.”
“When we have no place to turn, we turn to prayer,” he said.
Also speaking briefly were Pastors Dave and Kathy Thomas of Victory Christian Center in Coitsville. Therese Olesky of Bridge of Hope in Boardman led singing of “God of This City.” Melech Cohanim Worship Company participated.
Linda Daniels, City Prayer Team coordinator, said new this year were “prayer huddles,” intense prayer for states in the union.
Pam Morrow of Youngs-town attended because she believes “prayer helps.”
“This isn’t about our agenda but God’s agenda,” she said.
Pastor Michael Scott of Lighthouse Covenant Ministries said, “The power of prayer brings hope to our change.”
“The country is facing moral issues,” said Dorothy Grappo of Boardman, who said she was inspired knowing that people are “of one heart” praying.
While the prayer contingent in Youngstown had their feet on the ground, Barry Knaub, pastor of Central Baptist Church, 1301 North Road, Niles, spent 12 hours on the roof of the church to attract attention to the prayer event.
“This is a busy street. ... We have signs up to let people know what’s going on,” he said.
The pastor said the signs asked passers-by to beep so that he will pray for them.
“I’ve seen 400 to 500 cars today ... and many beeped for prayer,” said Pastor Knaub, who has been at the church six years. “I ask God to bless their needs.”
Pastor Knaub said a few drivers have pulled into the church parking lot to pray with him.
“It’s pretty steep up here,” Pastor Knaub said when called on his cell phone.
He had breakfast, lunch and dinner on the rooftop, where he also had a lawn chair and umbrella.
“My knees couldn’t take 12 hours of kneeling,” he said.
He emphasized that “we need God’s help” in these difficult days.