By Betsy Finklea
The annual National Day of Prayer Service was held Thursday at noon on the front lawn of the Dillon County Courthouse sponsored by the Dillon County Ministerial Association.
The theme of this year’s event was “Wake Up America.” The scripture for this year’s National Day of Prayer was Isaiah 58:1a which reads, “shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.”
The welcome was given by Rev. Leo Chapman, Jr. of Bethel AME Church and President of the Dillon County Ministerial Association. Chapman said God hears and answers our prayers and encourages us to get together and pray. He said there is a whole lot of sleeping going on in American, and it looks like churches as a whole are asleep. He said the theme, “Wake Up America,” is appropriate because the people and the churches need to wake up. He said National Day of Prayer was a time for the people of God to let their voices be heard.
Rev. Joey Nelms of Hamer Church of God led the Pledge of Allegiance. Nolan, Caitie, and Chloe Eggert sang the National Anthem.
Rev. Dickie Cullum of Dillon First Baptist Church gave of Prayer of Confession. He said that spiritual awakening begins with the people of God.
Rev. Buddy Bach of Latta Presbyterian Church and Kentyre Presbyterian Church gave the Prayer of Spiritual Awakening. He said when we confess our sins, we are asking God to wake us up.
Pastor Haywood Proctor of Kemper Baptist Church gave the Prayer for Community. He emphasized to those in attendance that we are the community. He said our community is not going to be better than we are and God can use us in the community to make a difference. He said there is a place in the community where we can work and contribute.
Rev. Austin Wynn of Piney Grove Baptist Church gave the Prayer for National, State, and Local Leaders.
This was followed by a performance of “My Country Tis of Thee” by Nolan, Caitie, and Chloe Eggert.
Overseer Joseph Graham of New Memorial Temple of Christ gave the prayer written for the National Day of Prayer written by Tony Evans.
This was followed by prayer for everyone collectively.
Rev. Rob Pierce of Latta Baptist Church led “How Great Is Our God” and then gave the benediction.

PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON HERALD
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