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Prayer breakfast held to observe World Day of Prayer
Sunday, 08 March 2009
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment conducted a prayer breakfast to celebrate the World Day of Prayer at the Blackhawk Inn dining facility here, March 6.
The World Day of Prayer is a global movement, which brings Christians of many traditions together to observe a common day of prayer each year.
The prayer breakfast demonstrated the diversity among people in the world through different prayers. Spanish, Russian, Korean, Arabic, Swahili and English prayers symbolized eight areas of the world.
“I found it enlightening to hear different prayers from different areas of the world,” said Spc. Charrod Grimes, a choir member and supply clerk for A Company, 204th Brigade Support Battalion.
The FOB Kalsu Gospel Choir sang several songs and two members performed a praise dance for the attendees of the prayer breakfast. Choir members, Staff Sgt. Aureka Johnson and Sgt. Shaires Smith-Banks, interpreted the song “Praise Him in Advance,” for the praise dance.
“It was motivating to listen and watch the choir perform during the prayer breakfast,” said Spc. Andrew Roberts a native of Austin, Texas, and an Infantryman for B Company, 1st Bn., 2nd Inf. Regt., 172nd Infantry Brigade.
Guest speaker, Maj. Chuck B. Rizer, the 172nd Inf. Bde. Chaplain, spoke about the importance and power of prayer.
“Prayer can be categorized as some of the best poetry in the history of literature, but until it becomes communication with the God of love and justice it is merely nicely crafted words,” said Rizer.
Rizer discussed adoration, confession, thanks and supplication with the audience. He mentioned how each of these things applies to everyday life.
“God has consistently answered our prayers to bless us here,” Rizer said. “There is always a possible threat and thankfully things have been quiet.”
Rizer finished his speech with a story that referenced Psalms 23. As the audience began to applaud, Lt. Col. Steven M. Miska, the 1st Bn., 2nd Inf. Regt. Commander, came to the podium and presented Rizer with a Black Scarf plaque. The plaque is a certificate of appreciation for Rizer’s continuing efforts and in support of 1st Bn., 2nd Inf. Regt., 172nd Inf. Bde.
After the prayer breakfast was over, some Soldiers stayed behind to thank Rizer for the inspirational speech.
“This is my first time hearing Chaplain Rizer speak and he kept my interest through the entire speech,” said Grimes, a native of Dayton, Ohio. “I liked what he said, how he started and how he showed meaning behind what he said.”
“We wanted to provide an opportunity for FOB Kalsu residents to hear the different prayers in different languages and time for fellowship among each other,” said Sgt. Keith Johnson, coordinator of the prayer breakfast and the chaplain noncommissioned officer for HHC, 1st Bn., 2nd Inf. Regt., 172nd Inf. Bde.
“Even though I was a part of the celebration, I’m happy they provided us with this opportunity to celebrate the World Day of Prayer,” said Grimes.
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