By Jessica Isaacs | jessica@highcountrypress.com
Christians will come together in communities across the country on Thursday, May 5 to observe National Day of Prayer. Join local leaders, pastors and believers in Christ for the High Country’s own celebration beginning at 11 a.m. in the center court of the Boone Mall.
Salvation Ministries — a Boone-based evangelical organization that leads revivals and crusades, establishes orphanages and builds churches in foreign countries — will lead the High Country National Day of Prayer Festival.
“This is a time for us to be united as Christians. There is always an urgency for prayer, but I believe we are at a crossroads in our 
country,” said Salvation Ministries President and CEO the Rev. Chris Hughes. “Christians are going to have to make a decision as to whether they will do what God commands them to do or compromise with others in the world and turn against God. That’s why I believe this time of prayer is so important.”
National Day of Prayer
NDP was established in 1952 through a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress, and has since led people across the nation to better understand the need for personal repentance and prayer.
The Rev. Dr. Tony Evans of Dallas, Texas, the NDP 2016 Honorary Chairman, has named “Wake Up America” the theme for this year’s National Day of Prayer, and has deemed Isaiah 58:1 as the chosen Scripture:
“Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.”
Beginning promptly at 11 a.m. in the mall’s center court on Thursday, the High Country NDP Festival will include:
- The national anthem performed by Dr. Priscilla Porterfield, professor at Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music
- A prayer for families delivered by the Rev. Jason Powers, youth minister at Mount Vernon Baptist Church
- A call to the nation by the Rev. Chris Hughes
- A prayer for the military by Roman Gabriel III, president of Sold Out Youth Ministry and former NFL athlete
- A prayer for the High Country community by the Rev. Peter Vandenberg of Middle Fork Baptist Church
- A keynote message from former North Carolina senator Dan Soucek
- A prayer for the nation and closing message from the Rev. Charlie Martin of Bethel Baptist Church
“This is a time of the Lord’s people coming together in a spirit of unity and purpose to call on God,” said the Rev. Charlie Martin. “My favorite verse is Chronicles II 7:14:
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
“I would love to see that used as America’s verse this year as we are all praying for our country; praying for our leaders in government; praying for our pastors and the work of the Lord’s church all over America and all over the world. That’s why we should all come together.”
For questions regarding the High Country NDP Festival, contact Hughes at 850-797-0899 or pastorchrishughes@gmail.com.
For more information on National Day of Prayer and how you can join the movement, visit nationaldayofprayer.org.
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