Local coordinator Dal Murray is encouraging Marion County residents to come out now more than ever to mark the National Day of Prayer.
The annual event is set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the grass parking area of the Columbia Expo Center.
Murray said she is lining up speakers who have been personally affected by the recent tragedies in Marion County, including flooding and tornados.
One of them will be Zach Smith, pastor of Hurricane Creek Baptist Church, whose home was destroyed in the April 19 tornado that ravaged the southern portion of the county.
Murray said the goal is to help show how such people in our community have persevered with God's help and that even when bad things happen, good can come of it.
She encouraged people to put aside their fear of the coronavirus and participate at their level of comfort.
People should bring their own lawn chairs to sit in. Organizers normally provide seating and hand out programs, but they will not be doing that this year to adhere to social distancing guidelines. But people can get out of their cars.
Murray noted that the lot is 25 acres, so there's plenty of room. The messages will be broadcast over loudspeakers, and attendees can also listen from inside their cars on WFFF.
Youth groups are encouraged to attend, Murray said.
The theme is “God’s Glory Across the Earth.” Based on the scripture Habakkuk 2:14, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”
For more information, call Murray at (601) 441-1803.
