May 2, 2008 By Frances Borsodi Zajac 5 min read

The Rev. Simeon J. Hatcher told those attending the 15th annual National Day of Prayer breakfast Thursday, “As the church goes, so goes the nation.’ Hatcher served as speaker for the prayer breakfast, which began at 6 a.m. at Cherry Tree Alliance Church in South Union Township and attracted participants from around Fayette County.

Hatcher, 62, explained his background to the audience, noting that he entered the Marine Corps after graduating high school at age 17. He served for 22 years, including a stint in Vietnam. Hatcher later entered the ministry and now serves people in Fayette County public housing and prison.

“Now I’m in God’s army. It has better benefits,’ he said with a smile.

Hatcher talked about the importance of religion, noting, “The church is keeping America afloat. But we have to be a strong church. Our strength and our shield is our Lord.’

He also talked about problems, saying, “My heart is burdened for America. To serve this country and not see it live up to the high ideals I had for it ticks me off. As a minister, an American citizen, and a black man, I’m going to do the best I can.’

Hatcher encouraged others to do the same. He said when he was called to the ministry, “I got my armor on. But God doesn’t want to see shining armor. He wants to see dents.’

He added, “Why don’t we determine today to pray for America for the rest of our lives? I failed in that in the past. I served it but I failed to pray for it. Let’s start today. God bless America.’

The Rev. Terry Collins, pastor of Chalk Hill, Sugar Loaf and Sansom Chapel United Methodist churches, served as master of ceremonies for the event. He talked about the importance of gathering in prayer.

“Something I think is so vital and important in today’s era is to gather to pray, to talk to God about our families, our homes, our communities and about this blessed great nation,’ Collins said.

Singer Tammy Gould commented, “There is a God in heaven who hears and answers prayers.’

Several area pastors led special prayers.

The Rev. Stephen Cole of Masontown Brethren Church offered prayer for government, asking that officials “lead up with great wisdom and guidance.’

The Rev. Greg Cooper of Great Bethel Baptist Church in Uniontown prayed for the media, both local and national, and included a plea for journalists who work in dangerous situations.

“We ask you protect those who have a heart for others and bring their stories to us,’ he said.

The Rev. Robert Lewis of Masontown United Methodist Church said prayers for education, including students, educators and staff.

He said, “We need for our students to value their education and not dismiss it as irrelevant in their lives.’

The Rev. Scott Teets of Fallen Timbers Community Church in Springhill Township prayed for churches, and said, “We have before us the most important job in the world.’

The Rev. Norma Prina Murphy of New Salem Presbyterian Church led prayer for families, including a petition “that children and parents have respect for one another.’

The prayer breakfast was one of several events scheduled throughout Fayette County Thursday in observance of National Day of Prayer. Both the Connellsville Area Ministerial Association and Fairchance/Smithfield Ministerial Association held services while Connellsville and the Christian Family and Children’s Center in Donegal also held prayer breakfasts. Several churches were opened for individual prayer, including First Baptist Church in Fairchance, Great Bethel Baptist Church in Uniontown and Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Smithfield.

Meanwhile, Solid Rock Ministry-Faith, Hope, Love hosted a prayer gathering from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Marshall Park in Uniontown.

The Rev. Elmer “Buzz’ Hall told the crowd that came to open the event, “Together we gather in Marshall Park to take time to pray to Almighty God. I believe we need to seek God’s face. We need to turn from our wicked ways.’

Hall said prayers with the Rev. Roger Yeager of Cove Run Free Methodist Church in Lemont Furnace and the Rev. Lee Maley of Pechin Chapel in Dunbar on a stage decorated in red, white and blue.

Yeager later said the prayer gathering was “wonderful and much needed.’

Maley commented, “I think it’s a wonderful time for people to pray for our nation, and our men and women overseas. We have a wonderful nation. A lot of times we talk about what’s wrong with America. There’s a lot right with America.’

This was the third year for the prayer gathering, which included free food and games for children in addition to 50 boxes of food to be given to those in need.

“It brings us together as a Church,’ said Hall, “but it’s not just our church. There are people from other churches, from Cumberland and West Virginia who support this. It’s a time for us to get together to call upon God.’

Music was being provided throughout the day by Free Spirit of Lemont Furnace, Choz’n 1’z of Smithfield, Sharon Honsaker of Masontown, Gail Perney of West Newton, Nancy Yeager of Cove Run Free Methodist Church and Harvest Lights of Nemacolin.

Arlene Bock, who performs with her husband, Ron, as Free Spirit, commented, “It’s been wonderful. It was raining earlier but now the sun has come out and the Lord’s going to make it a great day.’