Philipsburg"" Several people including members of the clergy from both sides of the island turned out last night for the fourth annual National Day of Prayer which was instituted by former commissioner of culture Louis Laveist. Also present were several elected officials from the French side including President Frantz Gumbs who for the fist time responded to the several invitations from the Dutch side of the island, also present was Carene Mills, and fourth VP Louis Jeffry. Elected officials from the Dutch side had to split themselves between the two government activities which were held at the same hour.
Attendants of the annual event were treated with songs and dances ad as they prepare to hear from Pastor Liverpool no stranger to the St. Maarten pulpits. Known for her power on praise and worship she did just that as she prayed for both sides government.
Delivering the message was Pastor Alicia Liverpool who called on the several churches on the island to come together for the benefit of St. Maarten said it is the community of St. Maarten displays their attitude of collective understanding for prayer.
He said prayers of a nation have always been a powerful force. There are stories enough of how when situations seemed ominous beyond redemption, prayer is believed to have been that one decisive action which changed the course of events.
Richards said today the need for prayer is as great as ever. "Our island has been blessed with much success, but faces immense challenges"
He asked that special prayers be held particularly for the youth, the family, the church, the educators and the media. Let us ask for his guidance as we need to calm the various social ills, reinstituting moral values and ethics and save the community, our nation now.
The island chief of command said if we are to "Bring about changes, calls for a pledge not to change the world but to change ourselves; a pledge not to move mountains but to shift pebbles; a pledge not to ride the waves but to create ripples; it is only by changing ourselves that we can change the world; it is only by shifting pebbles that we can conquer mountains; and it is only by creating ripples that we can ride the waves. Then and only then will we create a world in which this pledge will not remain a pledge but will become a reality".
