HUNDREDS OF AREA YOUTHS UNITE AT PRAYER RALLY; EVENT IS HELD AS PART OF NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Gathered inside a Cape Girardeau school gymnasium, some 400 area junior and senior high school students and their youth pastors prayed for national, state and local leaders Wednesday night.

Most of the students were from the Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City area. But some came from as far away as Poplar Bluff.

"We want students to know that prayer is an important thing," said Bethel Assembly of God youth pastor Dan Ross.

Students, he said, need to get "past church walls" and come together as Christians.

"It is a Jesus thing,' he said as students streamed into Cape Girardeau Central High School's old gym.

This was the second year for the prayer rally, sponsored by the area Youth Pastor Network. The religious rally served as an introduction to today's observance of the National Day of Prayer.

Jeremy Ferguson, youth pastor for Mount Auburn Christian Church, said it was great to see the youths "lift up our nation to Christ."

Trey Wiginton, 16, of Jackson High School came to pray. "God is an important part of my life," he said.

Amy Brookover, 16, of Cape Central High School, said the rally shows how much "we love God."

Some students at the rally wore T-shirts bearing religious messages.

"Life is short. Pray Hard," read a T-shirt worn by Katy Garner, 14, of Cape Central Junior High School.

The students stood and clapped in appreciation to the sounds of a three-member Christian rock n' roll band from Poplar Bluff.

"It's all about ministry," said band member Dalton Avery, who attends a Christian school in Poplar Bluff.

"I walk by faith each step I take," read the lyrics of one song.

Some of the students raised their hands toward the rafters as the band played on.

Nine members of a Bethel Assembly of God youth group performed a "human video," praising God to the accompaniment of an up-tempo Christian song.

Kasey Warren, youth pastor at La Croix United Methodist Church, told the students that national, state and local leaders needed their prayers.

"You can make an eternal impact tonight by praying," she said.

Those at the rally saw brief videos from area civic, church and governmental leaders, talking about the need for prayer.

John Mehner, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce president, said on video tape that the community needs God's help in dealing with racial diversity.

State Sen. Peter kinder of Cape Girardeau talked of legislators' need for God. "We need to learn of God's understanding and his wisdom," said Kinder.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Al Spradling III asked for prayers for harmony, tolerance and understanding in the city.

A number of students from various churches took turns leading the crowd in prayer for national, state and local leaders. They prayed for leaders of national, state and local governments, and church, school and law enforcement.

Dale Holman, Cornerstone Church youth pastor, was excited about the turnout. He said this year's rally focused on getting students on stage to lead in prayer rather than leaving that job strictly to the pastors.

Today's events

* 6:30 a.m. -- Mayors' Prayer Breakfast at Osage Community Center. Doors open at 6 a.m. Dr. Dan Steska, superintendent of Cape Girardeau schools, will be the speaker.

* 7:15 a.m. Students at Jackson High School will gather to pray. Students at Jackson's R.O. Hawkins Junior High will hold prayer services.

*n Noon -- Prayer service at County Courthouse steps in Jackson. Music by Robyn Hosp, Mid-America Teen Challenge choir and Dr. Mark Fulghum.