| A band performs during National Day of Prayer ceremonies at the Wood County Court House. (Photos: J.D. Pooley/Sentinel-Tribune) |
Government, county and area church leaders gathered Thursday at noon in the shadow the Wood County
Courthouse for the 61st annual National Day of Prayer observance.
"God is pleased when people are gathered to pray," Rev. Kristel Asmus, coordinator of the
event, said to open the program.
She spoke of the now traditional Bible reading marathon which began Monday and ran more than three days
at the entrance to the courthouse complex. Asmus said there were 17 local churches involved in the
project.
Following the one-hour program, Dave Ruhe, a resident of Bowling Green summarized his feelings of the
observance.
"It was an awesome thing to do this in the public square," Ruhe said. "More of this should
be done. The speakers were very good. They gave glory to the right person (God)."
Echoing his comments were several people who were gathered with him as they took advantage of the shade
in the grassy area in front of the courthouse.
Another Bowling Green resident, Jim Hammon said, "It was great. Everybody spoke lit it was all
coming straight from their heart. This has to go on until the Lord comes back."
One of the larger groups in recent years turned out to be part of the event. More than 70 people were on
hand including those who spoke or gathered to hear the prayers. There were several young children in
strollers as well as senior citizens with canes and every age range between.
Among the speakers were Bob Latta, U.S. congressman; Randy Gardner, state representative; Bowling Green’s
mayor, Dick Edwards; Wood County’s sheriff, Mark Wasylyshyn; and all three county commissioners, Jim
Carter, Tim Brown and Joel Kuhlman.
Both Latta and Gardner shared words from former presidents regarding the value of prayer. Latta asked
those gathered to always keep the "great men and women in uniform" in their prayers. Gardner.
Pastor Scott Estep, Dayspring Church, in his prayer for the government, also included the military and
reminded people to "give honor where honor is due."
| People sing during National Day of Prayer ceremonies at the Wood County Court House. |
Wasylyshyn noted how he learned at a recent memorial service at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, how
35 nationalities are represented at the mosque.
The sheriff asked people to pray for peace, and noted how despite all are diversity, including
Christianity, Muslims and Jews, all faiths believe in one God.
"Remember, we are one nation with one God," he said stressing everyone needs to pray for peace.
Rev. Tom Mellott, First United Methodist Church, Bowling Green, focused on education. He stressed the
importance and value of education for all people in all areas. He suggested the need to have a continued
focus on the arts, athletics and other extra curricular activities as part of the educational system,
not just information.
"We must be able to impart wisdom and critical thinking to the students," Mellott said.
Rev. Dennis Gugger of Bowling Green Alliance Church, also noted the diversity among the different
traditions and styles in the various denominations and church teachings.
He prayed that all churches would be "centers of light, hope and encouragement."
With a focus on his prayers for families, Rev. Steve Baney, prayed that all families could be "a
source of love, compassion and selflessness."
Asmus concluded by leading those gathered in "The Lord’s Prayer" and said she was confident God
heard all the prayers.
