Prayer Event Inspires Unity

WAITSBURG - Despite the long-standing sports rivalries in the Touchet Valley that provide competition and fun between our small towns, the local clergy are hoping to blur the lines and bring together members of the religious community in the quarterly Touchet Valley Call to Prayer.

"We want to invite people of the (local) congregations to come together and realize their unity as Christians," said Greg Bye, the pastor of the Redeemer Lutheran Church of Dayton.

The majority of churches from Starbuck, Dayton and Waitsburg have been meeting for these events quarterly for about three or four years, Bye said.

The goal is to bring together the residents to pray for the valley's youth, and social and economic problems.

The idea was formed about 8 years ago, Bye said. He and the leader of the Dayton Community Bible Church thought it would be great to expand on the small-town ministerial association already in place and really reach out to involve residents. The local clergy members would meet at yearly prayer retreats and simply wanted to engage others in the community, Bye said.

"It grew quite fast from there," he added.

On average, the event has brought out about 50 to 60 people each time it has been held, Bye said. And, he has certainly seen some changes in that group's dynamic.

"In those people who do come, we have witnessed a growing sense of unity among them," he said.

The Touchet Valley Call to Prayer is open to everyone and will be held at Waitsburg's Christian Church at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Those who want to attend don't need to bring anything.

Mike Ferrians, the pastor of the Christian Church, said there is no real schedule for this week's event, but it will include music, singing, sharing of scriptures and focused prayer time. He invited all people to come and pray for Christian unity and spiritual renewal. The event should last about one hour or less, Ferrians said.

Bye said sometimes all of those in attendance will break into smaller groups and pray together.

If you need transportation, call Bye of the Redeemer Lutheran Church, at 382-4662 or 540-5532.