LIHU‘E — Katalika Kaiser held nothing back. She raised her hands high, looked upward, and sang. She sang clear and loud and with joy. “I love it when God’s people come together, and so does he,” she said Thursday. Kaiser
LIHU‘E — Katalika Kaiser held nothing back.
She raised her hands high, looked upward, and sang. She sang clear and loud and with joy.
“I love it when God’s people come together, and so does he,” she said Thursday.
Kaiser was one of about 200 men, women and children who turned out for the National Day of Prayer celebration at the Kaua‘i County Civic Center Rotunda.
Pastors, county leaders, business owners and a retired Marine shared prayers and praise during the hour-long gathering under blue, sunny skies.
They prayed for the nation, the military, churches, marriages, teachers and students, along with business, state and county leaders.
They cited Scripture as they asked for strength, for courage, for wisdom and for forgiveness.
They got down on their knees, too, before the Lord, when called upon to do so by retired pastor Gary Sparks, and plenty of “Amens” filled the air.
“There’s power in prayer. When we all get together, it’s awesome,” said Pastor Steve Rex.
It was a spirited affair, ignited by pastor Larry Matsuwaki, and the blowing of the shofar, an instrument made from the horn of a ram or other kosher animal. He blew four times, finishing with a final blast held as long as possible, then smiled.
“Let’s do our very best for Jesus Christ,” he said as the crowd applauded.
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. spoke of understanding, compassion and blessings.
“All of us stay connected and really follow the light, try to be the best that we can,” he said.
The mayor led the group in song, too.
“Lord, let me walk each day with thee,” he belted out. “Lead me oh Lord, lead me.”
He paused for a moment, then said, “Everybody sing.”
And with cheers, they did.
Bryan Gerald said he attended the event because he wanted to prayer for the place he calls home.
“I see the value in praying for the community, for the business community for the nation,” he said. “I’m a person of prayer.”
Pray they did.
One by one, community leaders stood and spoke of glorifying God with their actions and words.
“We declare whatever we do, we do it to your glory,” said Patty Ewing, business owner.
Larry Dill, chief engineer for the County of Kaua‘i, encouraged people to continue praying, even after the National Day Prayer.
“I can tell you authoritatively, we need your prayers,” he said.
Pastor Glenn Frazier urged people to rise to the task given them by God.
“Go in peace, go in strength, and with the love of Christ in your heart,” he said.
Kaiser hopes people, whether alone or in groups, at home or work, continue to ask God to forgive and heal the land — because prayer works, she said.
“I just believe that these pockets of people make all the difference,” she said.
• Bill Buley, editor-in-chief, can be reached at 245-0457 or bbuley@thegardenisland.com.
