YOUNG HARRIS – On Thursday, May 7, faith-filled local organizers observed the National Day of Prayer with a regional gathering at the Towns County Recreation & Conference Center, welcoming residents from Union and Towns counties in Georgia, and from Clay County in North Carolina.
Inspired by 1 Chronicles 16:24, the event focused on glorifying God among the nations and seeking Him across all generations.
Continue reading with a subscription.
North Georgia News — serving Union County since 1909.
Cancel anytime.
Jim Yohe, area coordinator for National Day of Prayer and retired Air Force Master Sergeant, USAF public affairs, kicked things off with a heartfelt introduction and the Pledge of Allegiance, and McConnell Baptist Lead Pastor Steve Taylor welcomed everyone and offered an invocation.
Rev. Austin Tibbitts from McConnell Baptist followed with a sincere prayer of thanks, reminding everyone of God’s bountiful blessings.
Madison Anderson, Registered Nurse and Executive Director of Georgia Mountain Pregnancy Center, offered a touching prayer for the unborn – those who never had the chance at life.
Next, Reace Hampton from Towns County Christian Leadership Center prayed for the youth, emphasizing the value of sharing wisdom with the next generation.
Nick Sommer, Associate Pastor at Fellowship of the Hills, spoke about putting others first and asked God to give people a willing spirit while praying over marriage and families.
Roy Perren from the Towns County School Board offered a prayer for education, asking that everyone trust the Lord to guide them.
Towns County Recreation Director Stuart Nichols then led everyone in prayer and worship, lifting spirits with a performance of “Goodness of God,” which he followed up later with a moving rendition of “How Great Thou Art.”
Dr. Ron Sweatt, Senior Pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church, prayed for the church body, and Jim Arnold from International Bible Missions prayed for world missions.
Romans 12:18 was highlighted: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”
Terry Hoffman, a retired Army Major and Medical Service Corps Chaplain, now active with Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1101, led the prayer for the nation’s military.
Hoffman noted that since 1775, over 1.3 million Americans have given their lives in service, reminding those gathered to keep today’s servicemen and women in their thoughts and prayers.
James “Jimmy” Hood, Senior Pastor at First United Methodist of Union County, prayed for Israel and the Middle East. Hood pointed out how the news is dominated by coverage of Israel and encouraged everyone to pray for their protection and God’s presence.
In a similar vein, Truett Memorial Baptist Pastor Arron McGuffee prayed over war-torn Ukraine and Europe.
Next, Cliff Bradshaw, Towns County Sole Commissioner, led a prayer for government, expressing gratitude for the freedom to pray openly in America.
Dr. Marty Duncan, Pastor Emeritus and Host of “Blueprint for Life,” then led a prayer for police and first responders. He asked everyone to pray for encouragement for those in authority and for the men and women serving in blue.
Steve Rowe from the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce prayed for the business community, reminding attendees that business is vital to the future and essential for the wellbeing of all.
Yohe then prayed for the media, noting its shift from journalism to a social force, and asked God to give people discernment to recognize the truth.
To wrap up, the Beach Grove Benedictines closed the evening with “Lift Up Your Eyes To The Mountains” – a perfect praise song to end an inspiring night of prayer and worship.
