PRAYER BREAKFAST PARTICIPANTS … Front row from left: Mike Bowman, Ranae Heeres, Connie Hanson, and Jenella Tilton. Back row from left: Rick Mettert, Steve Brooks, Larry Snavely, Whitney Heeres, Mike Kelly, and Del Duduit. Not pictured were Mary Leatherman and Judy Lewis.
PHOTOS BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
SPECIAL MUSIC … From left, Connie Hanson, Whitney Heeres, and Ranae Heeres of House of Prayer Church of Montpelier performed three musical selections at the 50th annual Bryan Area Christian Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, September 23, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
For the past fifty years, the Bryan Area Christian Prayer Breakfast has been a longstanding tradition in Williams County, and on Tuesday, September 23, the community gathered once again to offer prayers for the nation, government officials, and citizens.
The 50-year-old event, which took place at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan, has been in existence since 1975.
Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for members of the community to unite in offering prayers of thanksgiving that God has richly blessed this nation and prayers of supplication that leaders and citizens will seek His will.
Jenella Tilton, who served as chairman for this year’s Prayer Breakfast, said this annual prayer breakfast was started by Valeria Stratton, who recently passed away on September 13 at the age of 83.
“She (Stratton) had inherited some money from her father and decided that she wanted to use part of it to honor God,” said Tilton.
“She then formed a group called ‘The Women’s Aglow’. Out of this organization came the first prayer breakfast in 1975.” Tilton didn’t get involved in the prayer breakfast until the early 1980s when she had moved into town.
“Our purpose is to pray for our leaders, for our country, and for our elected officials,” said Tilton. “People need to realize that it’s time to pray, and that’s our purpose to encourage that.”
In her opening welcome remarks, Tilton quoted a verse from Colossians 3:17 saying, “Whatever you are doing, whether you speak or act, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
“That is the aim of all of us today,” said Tilton, referring to the scripture passage she read. “We gather to pray for our nation and our leaders. What a blessing it is to observe our fiftieth prayer breakfast in Bryan.”
She also credited Stratton, whose funeral was held on Thursday, September 18, for being influential in getting the Prayer Breakfast started a half-century ago.
“Since then, many women have been involved in continuing this event, all funded by donations,” pointed out Tilton, who then asked those in the sanctuary to raise their hand if they had ever served as a helper or a committee member.
Tilton also thanked several women who served on this year’s Prayer Breakfast steering committee, including Karen Walker, Marilyn Richards, Kay Byroads, Rebecca Miller, Tami Smith, JoNell Gotshall, Deanna English, Carole Cramer, and Cathy Leu.
“Thank you all of you for your loyal support and especially we thank God for his blessings for these past fifty years,” noted Tilton.
Following the presentation of the United States Flag and the Christian Flag by Mike Bowman and Rick Mettert of American Legion Post 284 and V.F.W. Post 2489, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Christian Pledge were both recited.
Pastor Steve Brooks of Wesley United Methodist Center gave the invocation, and Marilyn Richards then recognized those elected officials who were in attendance.
“We realize the importance of our dependence on God for guidance and wisdom as they serve our country, our county, and our cities,” said Richards. “So, we thank you, elected officials, for your service, commitment, and support for our communities.”
Bryan City Council president Mary Leatherman presented a proclamation from Mayor Carrie Schlade honoring the fifty-year anniversary of the Bryan Christian Prayer Breakfast.
Retired pastor Mike Kelly then said a prayer for government leaders and military personnel.
A special music performance followed with Connie Hanson, Ranae Heeres, and Whitney Heeres of the House of Prayer of Montpelier. The trio performed three musical selections.
The featured speaker for this year’s event was Del Duduit, who is the regional manager with Donor Ministries of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, serving in ten states.
He has been involved with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for the past four years and resides in Lucasville, Ohio, with his wife Angie. He has a personal writing ministry and has authored more than 20 books.
Duduit spoke about some of the various ministries within the Graham organization he’s involved with and how prayer has impacted his job on a daily basis.
“I kind of learned the hard way and really depended more on and more in my daily job as I was praying this morning for a while for this event,” he admitted.
His job within the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association includes numerous evangelistic events, serving on the rapid response team, and being involved with the prayer line. The prayer line started in March 2020, which also marked the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Duduit brought up a few important aspects regarding his involvement with the prayer line.
“It does bring the presence of Christ through other people,” he said. “This also leads others to Christ, this strengthens your faith, and to serve and connect with others.”
The Prayer Breakfast ended with the singing of “God Bless America” followed by the benediction from Pastor Larry Snavely of First Church of Christ.
Special thanks went out to Bryan First Presbyterian Church, Wesley United Methodist Church, Susie’s Lunch and Mobile Catering, Artisan Floral and Gifts, The Bryan Times, The Village Reporter, WBCL Radio, and Q96.1 Radio, along with the many hostesses, greeters, ushers, and ticket sellers supporting the annual event.
The net proceeds from the Prayer Breakfast went to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.