A prayer for unity
editor@wood.cm
As protests continued across the nation, about 100 residents attended a gathering for prayer on the north lawn of the Wood County courthouse Saturday morning.
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A prayer for unity
As protests continued across the nation, about 100 residents attended a gathering for prayer on the north lawn of the Wood County courthouse Saturday morning.
Pastors from several Wood County churches were in the crowd.
Pastor Demethrius Boyd of Mineola’s St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church led the event.
“I think we had a wonderful turnout,” he said. “It was a unifying opportunity we were able to take advantage of and I believe we accomplished the goal we had set. I think it was a wonderful, wonderful crowd that came out and supported with their hearts and love for this county, country and community. I think they represented well. We had a plethora of churches here, pastors and community and civic leaders who showed their support. I am so proud to be a part of this community and I do believe that change has begun and change will ensue. I feel what you saw here today is an example of what’s getting ready to happen as we go forward.”
Wood County Judge Lucy Hebron was unable to attend the event, but sent a letter Boyd read to those gathered.
In the letter Hebron stated, “In Wood County, as a people of faith, we go to the Lord in prayer. The Constitution of our founding fathers ensures that the rights of the people are expressed and protected. The first amendment guarantees the right to free speech and the right to peaceably assemble as we do today.”
Boyd spoke about God’s love. “He has created us all to be equally loved by him. To be loved by him also teaches us to love one another like he loves us. I’m here to share with you this morning and stand on the promises of God that the love of Christ shall prevail,” Boyd proclaimed. “We also gathered together to honor those who have given their lives for this country, who laid their lives down and with their life, gave the ultimate sacrifice that we can do what we do here today.”
Those gathered also heard from young people including Taylor Ihlenfeldt of Mineola and Ian Wishhart of Lindale.
“What is important is that whatever we do everyone comes together. It’s important to come together. We must have God in our hearts and if we are not together, then it’s not going to work,” Ihlenfeldt said.
Wishart encouraged unity. “Unity is a must! Nothing in history has been accomplished by oneself such as sending a man to space, and even this right now. We are all in this together. We must get past our differences,” Wishart said. “Without God we are nothing, just us.”
Boyd thanked all those in attendance and the event ended with a rousing version of “I’ll Fly Away.”