Sisters community unites for prayer

On June 17, 1775, President John Adams called for widespread participation in prayer for wisdom in forming our new nation. He wrote, "We have appointed a Continental fast. Millions will be upon their knees at once before their great Creator, imploring his forgiveness and blessing; his smiles on American councils and arms."

In the same spirit, over 200 people came together last Thursday for the third annual Sisters Community Prayer Breakfast.

Held at Sisters Community Church, the local event ran in tandem with the 64th annual National Day of Prayer, which organizers are calling "the single, largest mobilized call to prayer in the history of our nation." More than 43,000 events took place at courthouse steps, parks, offices, government buildings, churches and homes across our 50 states.

The strong local turnout also helped raise funds for Sisters Christian Academy, and several SCA students played key roles. Meri Blaser, Sydney Rawlins, Matt Harris and Henry Banning were greeters, and Bailey Knirk and Nicko Manley led the Pledge of Allegiance-with a twist. They introduced old footage of the late comedian Red Skelton in an unusually serious moment, reflecting on the meaning behind the words of the pledge.

A local hero facilitated the morning event. After graduating from Sisters Christian Academy (SCA) and Sisters High School, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant John Roberts served three tours in Iraq. He now serves as an Army recruiter in Oregon.

Dave Johnson, bronze medalist decathlete of the 1992 Summer Olympics, keynoted. Johnson is well known as half of Reebok's "Dan and Dave" TV campaign duo. In a series of ads leading up to the Summer Games, he and fellow decathlete Dan O'Brien bantered over which one would prove himself the world's greatest athlete.

Now a motivational speaker, author, and the director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Johnson told the crowd of his unlikely journey from a rebellious teenager to a national sports hero. He credited God with empowering and sustaining him in both his athletic career and his personal life.

Throughout the morning, several people led prayers, and strong themes arose: gratitude for our blessings, our freedoms and our public servants, personal repentance, living in unity, wisdom and guidance for our leaders, and safety.

Brad Schultz, the program coordinator for Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, gave a blessing over the meal and prayed for individuals to step up their commitment to seek God's will.

SCA graduate Michaela Miller led a prayer for her generation. An accomplished athlete, Miller leads the FCA club at Sisters High School.

Kit Tosello led the closing prayer, asking God's help to unite Christians and empower them as "messengers of hope and ministers of grace."

A community worship team led by Rhonda Funk provided special inspirational music.

Attendance eclipsed the previous two years and drew folks from all over Central Oregon to share a meal, sing and pray as with one voice.

Event organizer Peter Storton expressed concern about the recent assaults on Christians internationally.

"I was pleased to see how many people were willing to come out at 7 a.m. to meet in prayer for our country and our community," he said. "It was exceptional."