WCOM NEWS

5-30-04

Miramar events unite residents on Day of Prayer

MIRAMAR--South Florida residents recently joined Americans nationwide coming together to pray and "Let Freedom Ring" at two Miramar events marking the National Day of Prayer.

During the open-air event sponsored by Intercessors' Network International and Saved By Grace Community Church in Miramar, people from about 10 churches gathered to offer prayers for their community, church, government, law enforcement and military.

"It's a national event and we are doing our part in Miramar to bring people together," said the Rev. Joan Shaw, an organizer from Saved By Grace.

Though the country has been called to prayer from the time of the first Congress, Harry Truman signed a law in 1952 making the day an annual event. Ronald Reagan amended the law in 1988 to make the first Thursday in May the official day to offer prayers for the nation, according to participant Sharon Stitely.

From 6 to 11 p.m., those assembled sang, danced and exclaimed their prayers from a stage at the Winn-Dixie Plaza, Miramar Parkway and University Drive, inviting people from all denominations and backgrounds to join in their celebration. The program included musical selections, Scripture readings, intercessions and keynote speakers from many walks of life.

Sharon Brown, of Pembroke Pines, represented the judicial branch at the event. Brown, an attorney for Access USA Lawyer, practiced in international law, spoke about the importance of prayer in a time of turmoil.

"Throughout American history, in times of crisis, the country has always been called to prayer," she said. "A lot of people consider themselves Christians but don't even go to church, don't pray. Especially now, in a time of war, we need to pray together."

Speakers emphasized that there is strength in unity. Or, as participant Jamie Ellen Schwartz, of Fort Lauderdale, put it: "There's power in numbers."

Miramar Mayor Lori Moseley and Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper joined police officers, fire officials, musicians, pastors, lawyers and children from throughout Broward at the event, which began with about 50 people and slowly increased in number throughout the evening.

Pastor John Woodin, of Hollywood, said churches don't often come together, and he was glad people could forget about borders and denomination lines to unite and pray.

"Individually, we can't make the president or the government do anything," said Woodin, from Hollywood Faith Christian Church. "But through our prayer and our unity, God can help move things in the right direction."

Residents also had gathered earlier in the day for the fifth annual Mayoral Prayer Luncheon at the Miramar Civic Center. The celebration featured Bible readings, music, liturgical dancing and entertainment by local churches.

The planning committee's chairwoman, Stella Tokar, said it had invited every church and religious community in Miramar to participate in the event, in an attempt to be all-inclusive.

The lunch, she said, turned out "awesome," considering the more than 120 people in attendance from a diverse group of faiths.

"We are so thankful for the freedom to pray in a unified fashion as we do," said Tokar, who also is executive director of the Miramar-Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The luncheon included musical performances by soloists and the St. Stephen's Children's Choir, and specific prayers for national and local leaders by area pastors.

Tokar founded the luncheon five years ago and hopes it will continue to grow to include people from even more faiths.

"I can't thank the mayor enough," she said. "She fully embraced the project, and it has gotten great support."

(source) Sun Sentinel (Meredith Polley) 5-30-04