(PHOTO BY BRE RELIFORD / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
Prayer Breakfast … Service speakers included (Front) Carole Cramer, Jenella Tilton, Dr. Nancy Berkheiser. (Back) Joe Rath, Pastor Jeff Miller, Mayor Schlade, Jack Brace.
By: Breana Reliford
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The 49th Annual Bryan Area Christian Prayer Breakfast was hosted Tuesday, September 24, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan. The event had a great turnout, with several community members, public officials, and school representatives coming together to pray for the community.
Breakfast, catered by Susie’s Lunch Mobile Cuisine and Catering, was served in the Fellowship Hall from 8:30 to 9:30, with the service in the Sanctuary starting at 10. Guests were greeted by the pre-service music of Judy Lewis and the welcome message introduced by Jenella Tilton.
The flags were presented by Mike Bowman of the American Legion Post 284 and Phil Klingler of the V.F.W. Post 2489. Pastor Jeff Miller of New Life Worship Center led the Invocation.
Carole Cramer led the recognition of elected officials, many of whom were recognized for their impact on the community. Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade offered a greeting and spoke on behalf of the city of Bryan.
She expressed her gratitude for the invitation and recognition of elected officials. Pastor Dave Sherwood of Grace Community Church led the prayer for governmental leaders and military personnel. He stated the importance of being active as citizens “to promote the word of God in everything we do.”
Jenella Tilton then introduced the vocalist, Joe Rath, who provided the special musical performance. Rath is known for his work in various Fountain City Productions and his time with the Amish Freedom Players. He performed “O Divine Redeemer” by Charles Gounod and “The Holy City” by Frederic Weatherly. The Sanctuary was filled with applause and praise for his performance.
Jack Brace, the program director of LifeWise Academy in Bryan, was the special guest speaker. LifeWise Academy is a 5-year program for 1st-6th grade students who wish to learn more about God and the teachings of Christianity.
Students who participate take a shuttle bus to First Brethren Church for about 30 minutes each week to receive Bible education.
The program requires private funding, must be off school property, and each student must have parental permission. As of this year, 580 schools in 27 states participate in the program.
Just over 450 students at Bryan are currently enrolled in the LifeWise program. Brace then went on to share positive feedback he’s gathered from teachers, parents, and students.
Brace then led the congregation in the worship song “I Speak Jesus,” with the message of the song being that through all of life’s uncertainty and hardships, Jesus can bring peace.
Those in attendance were then invited to sing one last time with the classic “God Bless America.” Shortly after, the Benediction was shared by Dr. Nancy Berkheiser of West Unity Presbyterian Church.
The proceeds from the program were donated to LifeWise Academy of Bryan. The Prayer Breakfast Committee Members encourage all Americans to “pray daily for our Nation and our government officials.”