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Day of Prayer observed in Youngstown
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Elijah Maybou, 9, of Warren blows a shofar (ram’s horn) to begin the noon National Day of Prayer observance in downtown Youngstown. The event, sponsored by the City Prayer Team of Youngstown, featured Pastor Everett Whiteside as keynote speaker.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
Youngstown
“Watch your mouth!” is the directive that Pastor Everett Whiteside gave the 100 or so at National Day of Prayer on Thursday on Central Square in downtown Youngstown.
The keynote speaker for the annual community event arranged by the City Prayer Team of Youngstown told the crowd: “Guard your mouth because what you say, you will have. Our dark words bring dark clouds.”
The minister at Higher Praise Covenant Church cautioned those in attendance that they would “eat the fruit that comes from your lips,” and he was weary of “sour grapes.”
Pastor Whiteside told the gathering to “declare with words what you want to see” and it will come about” ... not overnight but eventually. “It’s a process,” he said.
“It’s time to stop praying for one thing and having conversations about something different,” Pastor Whiteside said.
He cited Ezekiel 37, which mentions dry bones in the valley, and compared that passage to the situation in the Mahoning Valley. The pastor said listening to the word of God would transform the dry bones to vibrant people.
“Working toward change,” said Pastor Whiteside, begins with language that is positive and hopeful about the Valley. Then, language is backed by actions. “We are responsible for what happens here.”
Patrick McBane of Marketplace Ministries introduced Whiteside.
The Praise Dancers of the city prayer team participated in the event, carrying banners with messages such as “healing” and “redemption” and offering a praise dance.
Pastor John T. Allen of Sword of the Word was master of ceremonies. He introduced other speakers, who echoed a message of taking responsibility.
Speakers were Pastor Raphael Cruz of Unity Baptist Church, “The Family and Abortion”; Pastor Nicholas Dejacimo of Living Word Sanctuary, “The Church and Israel”; Juan Santiago of Professional Partners for Christ, “The Businesses”; and Bishop C. Shawn Tyson of Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church, “The Next Generation.”
Elijah Maybou blew the shofar (ram’s horn); Larry and Betty Stephens, prayer-team leaders, offered the welcome; Pastor Lawrence Cavicchi, prayer team, Scripture; Lydia Taylor of Living Word led the national anthem; and Alice Marshall, prayer team, played “Amazing Grace” on violin.
The City Prayer Team meets at 10 a.m. the first Saturday of the month at Fifth Avenue Community Church.