|
Listen to article
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
MANSFIELD — There were no cases of ‘road rage’ in downtown Mansfield early Thursday evening. Local congregations are circling their wagons and coming together to pray for the welfare of their nation; while they still have one. Believing that GOD is not asleep at the wheel, the faithful are convinced adversity is actually unifying the Body of Christ.
“It was really a great night tonight to have so many churches meet together with one purpose,” says one of the event coordinators Amanda Nichols. “This evening’s downtown march was the culmination of a vision given twenty years ago. The Bible tells us to wait patiently saying, to ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets. That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
The march began at the five-way light where Marion Avenue meets Park Avenue West, and ended at Central Park Gazebo. Mansfield Police Department provided security and traffic control. Total distance of the parade was three quarters of a mile.
“This evening’s downtown march was the culmination of a vision given twenty years ago. The Bible tells us to wait patiently saying, to ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets. That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
Amanda Nichols, Ark Empowerment Center
Mansfield City Council President David Falquette gave a proclamation recognizing National Day of Prayer, and Ashland County Commissioner Jim Justice briefly spoke.
“It is fitting and proper to give thanks to GOD by observing this day in Mansfield when all may acknowledge their blessings and express gratitude for them, while recognizing the need for strengthening religious and moral values in our City,” said Council President Falquette.
In addition to Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch, Common Pleas Court Judge Steve McKinley, Lexington Mayor Brian White and Mansfield City Council members Aurelio Diaz, Kim Moton, and Reverend El Akuchie were in attendance.
Pastor Mark Pierce led those in attendance in the “Godsfield Anthem.” Leading prayer for different arenas of society included clergy: Aaron Williams, Mark Meyer, Lori Mabiala, Joe Nichols, and Larry Rawls. John Allen, Amanda Nichols and Donna Akuchie also prayed.
Elder Roger Eggeman closed the NDOP vigil with the Aaronic blessing in Hebrew for participants. Scottish bagpipes followed the benediction.
According to Pastor and City Councilman Reverend Akuchie, the Mansfield faith community has a reputation of engaging societal problems, like the recent spree of crime. “I believe praying with one heart and one purpose gets the Heavenly Father’s attention. Having something like this tonight is one way to make our streets safer.”
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in James Chapter Five, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
View slideshow below of 2023 NDOP march in downtown Mansfield.
Sar Shalom Center begins march with the blowing of shofars. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Sar Shalom Center begins march with the blowing of shofars (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Sar Shalom Center participates in prayer march (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Sar Shalom Center participates in prayer march (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pro-life message at National Day of Prayer March (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Clay Memorial Lutheran participates in prayer march (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Madison Fusion Church participates in prayer march (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
The River Church participates in prayer march (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Lexington Fusion Church participates in prayer march (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
A march on Park Avenue West in downtown Mansfield took place for National Day of Prayer(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Mansfield Paradise Church participates in prayer march (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Book of Life Church participates in prayer march(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Southside Christian Church participates in prayer march (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Ark Empowerment Center participated in prayer march (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
A march on Park Avenue West in downtown Mansfield took place for National Day of Prayer (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Ark Empowerment Center participates in prayer march(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) Ark Empowerment Center participated in prayer march (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
A march took place on Park Avenue West in downtown Mansfield for National Day of Prayer (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
LifeWise Academy bus drives in prayer march (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Over 700 participated in the NDOP march. At the end of the march, many remained for prayer vigil at Central Park Gazebo (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Over 700 participated in the NDOP march. At the end of the march, many remained for prayer vigil at Central Park Gazebo (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Event emcee Scott Saunders of 90.7 Shine FM(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Event emcee Scott Saunders of 90.7 FM Shine (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) Mansfield City Council President David Falquette reads city proclamation (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Dave Rentzel calls for prayer (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Pastor Dave Rentzel calls for prayer (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) Over 700 participated in the NDOP march. At the end of the march, many remained for prayer vigil at Central Park Gazebo (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Musicians from Ontario Potter’s House prepare for worship (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Over 700 participated in the NDOP march. At the end of the march, many remained for prayer vigil at Central Park Gazebo (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio) 
Over 700 participated in the NDOP march. At the end of the march, many remained for prayer vigil at Central Park Gazebo (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Related articles:
