The Woodlands Kiwanis brings community together on National Day of Prayer

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Across America the country bowed its head in observance of the National Day of Prayer, which takes place annually on the first Thursday of May. Supported by a proclamation issued by the President of the United States, this is the 64th year of the observance, and locally it has been honored for the past 28 years.

Sponsored by The Woodlands Kiwanis Club, it not only brings the community together for prayer and inspiration, it also serves as a scholarship fundraising event for graduating high school seniors.

“Last year we raised enough for seven $1,000 scholarships for individual seniors, and an additional $2,000 prorated for needs-based scholarships,” said Eric Markey, treasurer of The Woodlands Kiwanis. “Ticket sales this year were equal to or greater than last year’s event, so we should be able to provide the same number of scholarships.”

The 2015 national theme was "Lord, Hear Our Cry," emphasizing the need for individuals to place their faith in the unfailing character of their Creator. The day is celebrated by Americans of many religions...Christians of many denominations, as well as Jews, Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, reflecting the diversity in our country’s demographics.

The Kiwanis prayer breakfast was called to order and followed with a prayer of blessing by the President of The Woodlands Kiwanis, Jacki Bradbury-Guerrero. The Presentation of Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, was performed by the Air Force ROTC from Oak Ridge High School. The National Anthem, in addition to a couple of religious hymns were sung beautifully by Ann Elise Hunter.

Master of Ceremonies, Roger Galatas, introduced the following pastors for morning prayers:

Community - Ed Robb, United Methodist Church
State - John Callison, The Woodlands Christian Church
Nation - Eddie Hilburn, The Woodlands First Baptist Church

The ever-popular and most sought after guest speaker in the Greater Houston area was radio personality, Dana Tyson, the morning host on Sunny 99.1, who bared her soul to the 300+ present, sharing with them the trials and tribulations of marriage.

In a ‘tongue-in-cheek’ manner, Tyson shared several different relationship scenarios, including her own marriage, and how difficult they are to make successful, when approached as a contract marriage and not a covenant one. Tyson referenced an internet article about the contractual marriage versus the covenant marriage.

“Oh my gosh, it changed my life!” said Tyson.

Tyson contrasted the two marriage styles…

“A contract is a give and take...it’s not a very friendly loving type of relationship,” said Tyson. “I take thee for me. What’s in it or me? What do I get? I’ll meet you halfway; everything is 50-50. In a contract marriage it’s ‘I have to,’” added Tyson.

Conversely…

“In a covenant marriage it’s ‘I give myself to thee. How may I serve you? What can I give you? I’ll give you a 100 percent plus. I don’t do it because I have to; I’ll do it because I want to,” added Tyson.

To read the article Tyson referenced, see Marriage: Covenant or Contract?.

The event was brought to closure by President Jacki Bradbury-Guerrero. For those unable to attend, the 2015 Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer, Dr. Jack Graham, the pastor of Prestonwood Church in Plano, Texas, recited a special prayer he wrote which was read simultaneously throughout the nation at noon (EDT). Across the country citizens came together at houses and temples of worship, prayer breakfasts, courthouse steps, public parks; anywhere there was a congregation of fellowship.

The annual Prayer Breakfast is just one of the many ways the Kiwanis Clubs supports the youth of the community. Their mission has always been to serve the children of the world one child at a time. The organization demonstrates this by sponsoring Key Clubs at The Woodlands, Oak Ridge, and Wunsche high schools, an Aktion Club at the YMCA, and being actively involved with Special Olympics, Montgomery County Emergency Assistance, just to name a couple.

The public is cordially invited to join the Kiwanis Club at their weekly breakfast meetings on Thursdays, at the South Montgomery County Community Center located at 2235 Lake Robbins Road in The Woodlands (77380). The meetings start at 7:00 a.m., coffee and a continental breakfast is served.

For more information about the South Montgomery/The Woodlands Kiwanis Club ‘Like’ their Facebook page and visit their website at the links provided.

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