Massive prayer vigil demonstrates city has nerves of steel (SLIDESHOW)(VIDEO)

MANSFIELD — A massive prayer vigil is manufacturing hope for an injured steel mill employee and the entire plant. Galvanized by faith in GOD, cars poured into the north gate of AK Steel Tuesday night, not for a shift change, but rather for a full-scale prayer meeting.

Last week furnace operator Amy Fowler sustained serious injuries from a work accident triggered by an explosion in the plant’s melt shop. At the appeal of several local ministers, the company management and union came together and agreed to hold a prayer vigil on plant property. Concern for Amy, her family, and the steel mill’s future lay heavy on workers’ minds.

“I feel like King Jehoshaphat right now,” exclaimed Chaplain Gary Lambert to the crowd. “The LORD told Jehoshaphat “You will not need to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD.”

The thirty-six year steelworker helped facilitate the candlelight service with several clergy and is the latest shining example of leadership helping shift a region from the Rust Belt to the Bible Belt.

The chaplain believes GOD can do the heavy lifting. “Amy will get better and we are going to keep making steel. This little steel mill is a world-class stainless steel operation,” he told the two hundred and fifty in attendance in the midst of a cold drizzle.

Pastor Larry Hill of Bethel Freewill Baptist shared that he has an area at the steel mill where he passes by and prays everyday. “I call it prayer alley. It is really sobering working at the plant, it can be a dangerous place. We have had a lot of close calls, not only with safety but with keeping this mill running.

“We believe that the LORD will allow this steel mill to continue to run and that Amy Fowler will be strengthened and restored back to good health. Scriptures tell us that ‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Mike Kerscmar, Corporate Vice President of Operations at AK Steel, and Mike Jewel, the President of Local 169 both wished Amy success with her recovery and thanked the first-responders who came to the accident scene.

Community gathers for prayer at AK Steel after accident. For more pictures of the event, view slideshow below. (Photos courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

“I guess you could call them (first responders) angels,” the AK Steel Vice President commented prior to a rendition of “Amazing Grace” by the Paradise Freewill Baptist choir.

Pastor Hank Webb of Belmont Community Church officiated Mike and Amy Fowler’s marriage last fall. He observed “Amy has a gravity about her that will help her overcome this tragic accident. She and her husband are both great people. They are resilient and tonight we want them to know our community is standing behind them.”

Pastor Glenn Phillips of Hillside First Church of GOD gave the closing benediction for the “family affair.” Pastor Phillips retired from the steel mill and raised a son, Brian, who also worked at the mill and now pastors New Beginnings Freewill Baptist. “We have a big family here tonight and we are praying for you Amy,” he declared.

The Bottom Line:

“He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come, and with it, the day of GOD’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning…” Isaiah 61:2-3

Click on the video below by an overhead drone of the prayer vigil produced by Justin Shears of Wonder Video.

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