Leaders of the community were lifted up in prayer and encouragement at the seventh annual Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast held at the Kinsmen Community Centre on April 19 hosted by the Ponoka Ministerial Association.
Over 200 people came for a fully catered breakfast and took time to stand in agreement and recognize those in positions of authority.
Pastor Harry Zantingh, head of the ministerial association, introduced the dignitaries of Ponoka; Mayor Larry Henkelman, Ponoka County Reeve Gordon Svenningsen, Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Ray Prins, and representative for Ponoka MP Blaine Calkins was CAO Brad Watson who read a letter from Calkins. Each took the stage to express the need for prayers and their gratitude for the event.
Guest speaker Mayor Morris Flewwelling of Red Deer graced the stage and addressed the crowd.
Flewwelling’s message touched on the importance of recognizing leaders in the community as well as provincially and nationally.
Flewwelling read from Luke 9 about Jesus feeding the 5,000, a story about equality and community sharing. He talked about that when everyone shares, the community’s needs are met and there will always be leftovers.
Flewwelling challenged Ponoka to be active in the community and encouraged the public to make a difference.
Pastor Rob McArthur, chair of the MCPB, was pleased with the attendance and the message Flewwelling brought to Ponoka.
“It was a really good turnout, we’re happy that it was successful.” said McArthur. “Personally, I believe Flewwelling’s message is relevant to the Body of Christ and the community. His focus on the future was inspiring, it’s all about the future and what Ponoka is going to look like.”
Flewwelling enjoyed speaking at the breakfast and was impressed with the outcome of the morning considering the unpleasant winter-like weather.
“I am totally pumped, the morning was faithfully organized, and really well attended on a day with heavy snow like today,” said Flewwelling. “It shows a lot of support and the variants in ages surprised me. It was well worth coming out here to talk about community and I hope everyone who came was called to action.”
MLA Ray Prins was also encouraged by the event and believes it is important to have the support of the community.
“This is a great event for leaders,” said Prins. “We need the support of our community and when everyone comes together in a positive way, it strengthens the community. It’s a great time to network with other people.”
Zantingh believed the event was a success and appreciated the turnout.
“This was a great event,” he said. “It’s nice to see the community get together and pray for our leaders and our community.”
Before the breakfast began Henkelman greeted everyone at the door with a smile and firm handshake. Henkelman was pleased to attend the event and appreciated all the work that was put into the morning.
“It’s great to come out, it’s a spiritual awakening for our community,” said Henkelman. “The committee did a lot of work behind the scene and did an excellent job. Flewwelling was excellent and gave words of wisdom and thought-provoking ideas on our community. It was a great event and hopefully we can look forward to another one next year.”