25 years of faith and unity
BY SAM VISE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
CHAMBERS COUNTY — A quarter-century tradition of faith and community unity will mark a major milestone this August as Chambers County prepares for the 25th anniversary of the Day of Prayer for Chambers County.
The gathering will take place at 6 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 7, on the east side of the Chambers County Courthouse, located at 2 South LaFayette St. in LaFayette. Sponsored by Prophetess Diane Perry and hosted by Elder Reginal Dunn, the event brings local residents, civic leaders and churches together under the theme “Working Together in Unity and in Love.”
Perry said the vision for the gathering began in July 2001 when she felt a clear call to initiate a focused effort for the region.
“God spoke in my heart in July 2001 that it was an urgency to pray for Chambers County, our state, our nation, the military, law enforcement, the county commissioners, the mayor and city council, the school system and all of [the] people in America,” Perry said.
The inaugural Day of Prayer took place Sept. 6, 2001 — just five days before the national tragedy that would move millions across the country toward prayer.
“If you will notice that the entire nation was [affected] by what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, but Chambers County was already coming together and praying before Sept. 11, 2001,” Perry said.
To launch the inaugural event, Perry reached out to local faith leaders, community figures and regional organizations, including Apostle Jemal Dexter Trammell; Charles Story; Ramona Barber; Apostle Willie Eve Hicks; the Rev. Paul Howard, the Rev. William “Bill” Hand; the Rev. Larry from Alexander City; elders Dorothy Vines, Rebecca Allen, Bobby Jean Dowdell, Katina Dunn, Reginal Dunn and Priscilla Howard; the Rev. Bettye Ray; the Rev. Cecelia Broome; the Rev. George Silmon; Mamie Boyd Hill; Dean Van Meter and Chosen Generation Worship Center International Ministries.
Over the past 25 years, the nondenominational gathering has focused on praying for local and national leaders across all levels of public service. This year, Perry said the community will be praying for Alabama state officials, county commissioners, frontline workers, health care personnel, military members and municipal leaders from LaFayette, Lanett, Valley, Five Points, Waverly, Fredonia and Cusseta.
Citing 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Perry said holding up leadership is a central priority of the effort.
“Our leaders are important, and we must keep them lifted up in prayer, because a leader has many responsibilities to the people, and we must pray for God to strengthen them, encourage them and that God will direct their path in making the right decision for the people,” she said.
In addition to prayer and singing, the event incorporates direct support for local families as the new academic year begins.
“God spoke [into] my heart to give backpacks and school supplies to all of the first through 12th grade children who attend the prayer,” Perry said. “We also pray a prayer over all of the students and schools.”
Perry said the backpacks are given away to encourage students and their families by letting them know the citizens of Chambers County care about them and are “in their corner to help relieve some of the school expenses.”
As the community prepares for the Aug. 7 event, Perry said the gathering serves as an ongoing reminder of the strength found in communal fellowship.
“Chambers County is a beautiful place to live,” she said. “The people of Chambers County are loving, caring, supportive of one another and, most of all, the people in Chambers County believe in coming together to help each other. Chambers County stands together as a community through the good times and the hard times; we show love to everyone, because together we are strong, and we can accomplish anything.”
The service is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their families for an evening of prayer, singing and community unity.
