by Tammy Messina
Bright and early Thursday morning, more than 300 residents of the Santa Clarita Valley and nearby surrounding communities joined forces at the 6th Annual SCV Mayors Prayer Breakfast. The event, hosted by The Dunamis Group, was open to people of all faiths interested in praying for guidance and protection for local leaders, officials, military, and protective services.
After the opening prayer, the colors were presented by the Valencia High School JROTC. The National Anthem and special music was provided by The Madrigals, an a cappella choral group from Canyon High School.
Guest speaker Santa Clarita Mayor Laurene Weste said “The freedom to worship and to pray is guaranteed to each of us by the first amendment to the Constitution. Did the framers of the Constitution, great leaders who founded our country, believe in prayer? Indeed they did!” and closed with a request, “I ask you to join with me to pray for our leaders in our city and our nation; for continued guidance as we face difficult decisions; that we pray for the blessing of God’s wisdom and grace.“
The keynote speaker, Rick Green from “Wallbuilders Live!” spoke on the importance of prayer in the framing of American and cited numerous documents and proclamations issued by the founding fathers on the importance and necessity of prayer for the guidance of the country.
A surprise guest appearance by Green’s 10-year-old son, Reagan, drew a hearty round of applause after his heart-felt and dramatic interpretation of a portion of the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence.
Prayers, led by six pastors and a rabbi from local churches and a ministry ,were offered ranging from the general well-being of the community to elected officials at all levels. Along with Mayor Weste, several elected officials or their local representatives were in attendance, including: SCV City Concilman Bob Kellar, West Ranch Town Council President Rob Meschner, Agua Dulce Town Councilman Don Henry, Newhall County Water District President B.J. Atkins, Wm. S. Hart School District Board President Paul Strickland and Member Bob Jensen, Saugus Union School District President Paul de la Cerda, Castaic Union School District President David Huffaker, and board members representing the Newhall School District and College of the Canyons. Also in attendance were Field Representatives from the offices of Congressman Buck McKeon, Senator George Runner, Senator Tony Strickland, and Supervisor Mike Antonovich.
When asked what she thought of the event, attendee Barbara Barrick said, “Everything was excellent, especially the original quotes presented to show the importance of the Christian faith to the Founding Fathers of this country.” Others commented on how nice the event was and were glad to be part of it.