By Lyn Ward
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH — Like the rest of the nation, Plymouth as a community came together for the 29th annual Community Prayer Breakfast. “America, Unite in Prayer” has been the theme of National Day of Prayer since it was designated by the United States Congress in 1952. The first Thursday in May is a day when all Americans regardless of faith are asked to come together and pray in their own way.

The gathering for breakfast at Christos’ Banquet Center was presided over by Mayor Gary Cook. Boy Scout Troop #251, sponsored by First United Methodist Church, presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 The Rev. Ken Brace of Church of the Heartland prayed for our nation.

“We are a nation that believes in God. Pray today for our country and leaders,” he urged the group. Senior members of the Plymouth High School Speech and Debate Team, Lizzie Brown and Ryan Carlberg, read Bible passages, one from Isaiah urging “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

The Ryan Stutzman Family entertained with special music written by his wife stressing the turmoil in this country.

“Now is the time not for us to stand but to kneel…this country stands because she kneels and in God she trusts,” the group sang.

Across the country, the same message was being issued. Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy was speaking in Indianapolis where he said “My heart has been changed through prayer. If it can change one heart, it can change the heart of a nation.”

Featured speaker locally, “The Boss Tony Ross” had the same message. He was introduced by Larry Faulstich who described himself as the “calmer half of the sports broadcast duo.”

Named a “Distinguished Media Service Award” recipient by the IHSAA last year for his coverage of Plymouth sports, Ross’ enthusiasm is infectious as he does his play by play scenarios. For 14 years he’s been affiliated with WTCA, both AM and FM.

The audience heard a message from Ross unlike the voice of “What’s Your Opinion”. The program stated “this morning will be an emotional testimony of how his walk with the Lord has brought him to where he is today.” It was a long walk and it was emotional both for Ross and the audience. Not a sound could be heard as he delivered his poignant message.

“I was a sinner’s sinner,” he said. “Being in a high profile job, you get pulled in all kinds of directions, not all of them good.” All of that changed one Sunday morning and asking himself “What are you doing with yourself?”  It was a self-evaluation day for him and change he did. He let God take over.
“In your worst times, let Him do the work,” he offered. “Today I stand here a changed person…He truly saved a wretch like me.”

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) was the recipient of the free-will offering to help fund their work with the abused and neglected children of Marshall County

“Melody is a wonderful, wonderful human being,” Ross said of Melody Kruger, executive director. “God put a lot of angels on this earth. You help as God helps,” he concluded.

The baskets were filled with bills and checks and it appeared that about $1,000 was collected according to Patty Moberly, Mayor Cook’s secretary.

“Pray for our nation. Play for our leaders...bless this nation. Put your hand upon us,” prayed Pastor Bill Walder of Crossroads Evangelical Free Church in closing. Across the country, millions of other similar prayers crossed the lips of the nation on the 56th National Day of Prayer.