Religious Freedom
When King Solomon had completed construction of his magnificent temple, meant to be a house of prayer for all nations, the Lord appeared to him at night with this powerful promise: “…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
As we look at the state of our country—economic uncertainty, racial strife, moral confusion, terrorist threats, political discourse that is at times embarrassing—it is clear that our land is in desperate need of healing. The National Day of Prayer is an opportunity for us to humble ourselves, repent and seek the face of God. Astoundingly, in a culture increasingly antagonistic towards religion, this call to prayer remains an official observance of our government, for which we ought all be grateful.
There are two opportunities for us to respond to God’s invitation to pray. On Thursday, May 5 at Peninsula Baptist Church at 7:00pm, our entire community will gather in a concert of prayer. What a wonderful testimony to the unity of God’s people here in Gig Harbor. Please, come!
The next morning the Pierce County Prayer Breakfast will gather to listen to Clebe McClary. Clebe was a young lieutenant in the Marines and suffered horrific injuries in Viet Nam, including the loss of his left eye and left arm. He underwent 34 operations to regain the use of the rest of his body. Today, as he describes it, he is in the “service of the Lord’s Army.” You may find more information at www.Prayerbreakfast.info.
Two great ways for Chapel Hill folk to join in the celebration of our religious freedom… and seek God’s mercy for our great but broken land.
Pastor Mark