OPA-LOCKA – Vice Mayor Joseph L. Kelley and Commissioner Luis B. Santiago presided over morning, noon and evening services as worshippers in the city of Opa-locka connected with millions of Americans across the country on Thursday, May 2 in observing the 62nd Annual “National Day of Prayer.”
“America has always found a common bond in prayer during times of war, natural disasters and other major tragedies, said the vice mayor, “but since 1951, on the first Thursday in May, we put opposing views and politics aside to connect for the sole purpose of committing to pray for our nation.”
Kelley and Dominican Republic-born Santiago hosted three bilingual services throughout the city, opening with the 8 a.m. Unity Prayer Breakfast at New Generation Missionary Baptist Church, 940 Caliph St.
UNITY
Santiago acknowledged that the world is in daily need of prayer, but, “Today, we will pray for America, our state and our city.” Pastor Cristino Pinales of Ministerio Renuevo, with the assistance of translator Andrisell Martinez, extended praise and worship, followed by prayer for the nation by Pastor Andres Martinez of Puertas Des Ion, prayer for the state by the Rev. Ranzer Thomas of New Generation, and prayer for the city by Pastor Hector Barcelona of Ministerio Evangelico Pentecostal Ruestro De Dios. The keynote speaker was the Rev. Dr. Larry T. Walthour of St. Andrews Missionary Baptist Church.
At the noon segment, Kelley and Santiago were joined in prayer, song and praise by Mayor Myra L. Taylor, residents, business owners, employees and friends at the Opa-locka Municipal Complex, 780 Fisherman St., where the keynote speaker was Dr. Carroll Storrs of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
The 6 p.m. “Unity in the Community” worship service with Pastor Burnice Mikell’s congregation was moved from outside tents into the building of Mount Tabor Ministries, 1981 Johnson St.
PLACING FAITH
There the Magnolia North residents were joined by Vice Mayor Kelley, who early in the day in presiding with Santiago over the three-segmented affair had emphasized “the need for everyone to place their faith in the unfailing character of their Creator, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men.”
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