A resounding wave of applause flowed through the banquet hall of the Sheraton Park South Hotel, February 12, as Bro. Eryn McCown was crowned this year’s winner of the annual Prayer Breakfast and Baby Contest! An event of the Historic First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia, under the leadership of its prelate, Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr., the winning district, the Great Northern District, raised the most funds for the contest.
The breakfast and contest began as a vision of the late Jurisdictional Supervisor Mother Thelma Vaughn as a way to inspire the people to prayerful and financial support of the Jurisdiction. Today, Mother Nellie Townes continues the tradition of her predecessor and the effort is undergirded with the help of the Prayer Breakfast chairman, Asst. Supt. Eddie Pruitte, Jr. of the Great Northern District.
The hallmark of the breakfast, however, came through the prayers on behalf of the Jurisdiction, the nation, the babies and the sick and shut in. Supt. William Coles, Supt. Leslie Thomas, Elder Timothy White and Elder Kenneth Hackett sent up intercessory prayers, asking the Lord’s protection and blessing over His people.
The Word of God came from the Elder Walter Harold of Saint Stephens Church Of God In Christ, who proclaimed, “The Storm Is Just Another Opportunity To Wake Up My Miracle.” Coming from Luke 8:22, Elder Harold explained how “storms come to break us and then come to make us.”
“When we’re going through [our storm], God is repositioning us in Him,” said Elder Harold. “One way to make it through the storm is to pray, praise and worship God, and rebuke that storm.”
Final remarks were provided by Bishop Thomas, who encouraged the saints to hold fast to God during the 40-day fast, reminding them of the theme for this year. “God is going to release His blessing upon the saints this year!”