CAFB celebrates 2011 Annual Prayer Breakfast

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase Hedrick
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Team BLAZE members came together April 5 at the Columbus Club to pray for our elected officials.

The 2011 Prayer Breakfast showcased songs sung by the Columbus Choral Society, prayer, readings from religious texts and a speech by Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Cecil Richardson, Chief of Chaplains, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

"The national prayer breakfast is a time to pray because our nation needs prayer," said Chaplain Richardson. "But it's also a time to demonstrate to those around us that we take seriously our privilege as Americans to exercise our faith. And it's a time for us to as people as faith to unite our hearts together."

Readings from religious texts were selected and read by Team BLAZE members in recognition of the diversity of faiths in America.

"There's a symbolism there and it reminds us that America is a place of diversity in religion. Not all Americans hold the same faith, but the thing that unites us is the fact that we can practice our faith, " said Chaplain Richardson. "By having different religions, number one we are calling people to unite and bonds together to pray. Number two it reminds us of the rich heritage we have as people of faith. People came here to escape persecution. To escape the restrictions that were placed on them so they couldn't practice their faith."

Chaplain Richardson told several stories during his speech about courage, miracles and the top three things he wanted attendees to take away.

"Number one hold tight to your faith," he said. "Number two hope in the lord. Number three when you're in trouble and you feel like crying. When you've had all you can take and you don't think you can take anymore and you just want to take your coffee cup and smash it into through window; turn and run into the arms of god. He will be your refuge, he will be your strength. He will be a very present help and courage in trouble."