By James Coulter
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., aside from being an influential civil rights leader, was, first and foremost, a reverend. He not only believed in talking the talk by preaching the gospel, but he walked the walk by advocating for equality and justice.
The City of Haines City followed in this great man’s footsteps by starting their weeklong celebration of his legacy with Prayer and Praise in the Park on Sunday. Several dozen pastors from local churches arrived at Lake Eva Park to offer prayers on behalf of the community.
Despite the rainy weather that afternoon, nearly a dozen people arrived to engage in the worship music with song and praise. The audience was invited to take a seat on stage to get out of the rain and listen to the service.
Rev. Larry Thomas of The Redeemed Church of God in Christ in Haines City offered a prayer for the spiritual leaders in the community. He admonished them to stay true to the Word of God and to lead by example in their respective congregations.
“We pray for passion, conviction, and dedication to their calling for Jesus Christ,” he said. “[That they know] it is not their ministry that they are leading, but God’s…[that] ministry teaching and preaching will never be a chore but a blessing to serve the Lord.”
Pastor Jarvis Marshall of Spirit Life Ministries in Auburndale offered a prayer for faith. He prayed that the community stand together in agreement and solidarity and that they align with God’s perfect will and never falter in the faith.
“We know it is impossible to please you without faith, but we must first believe,” he said. “If there is any sick, let them be healed, and healing will come. We pray for faith over this community, that you will heal this land, heal it in every area that needs to be healed.”
Pastor Marye Anglin of Tabernacle of Praise Christian Center in Winter Haven offered a prayer of healing. She admonished Jesus Christ for offering healing both physical and spiritual through his sacrifice on the cross. She called for anyone in need of healing to be touched and healed.
“We thank you for being our great healer today,” she said. “You are the doctor and the medicine. Nothing is too hard for you. You are a healer of high blood pressure and diabetes and arthritis and every sickness and property and disease.”
