Coach Tuke presented inspiring talk at prayer breakfast

More than 400 men attended the recent Men's Prayer Breakfast at the Ray's Plaza Banquet Center in Cape Girardeau.

The event, held for the first time, marked a fellowship of prayer. An inspiring keynote message was given by Southeast Missouri State football coach Tom Matukewicz.

Coach Tuke presented some of the brick-by-brick theme he uses with his players. It's a four-part talk on attitude, effort, discipline and passion. Additionally, he challenged the group to consider whom they can mentor. The coach remarked about a man who invested in him, saying without this person there would be no Coach Tuke at Southeast. Matukewicz said this was a man who showed him how to be a husband, father and Christian.

Matukewicz encouraged the men to read books and spend time with others who have a positive influence.

The coach's message was simple. We've all heard these tenets before. However, it's important to be reminded and inspired, and a new year is a perfect time as we embark on 2015.

Thank you to the coach and three pastors who spoke and to the organizers for offering this opportunity to our community.

A prayer breakfast is a good thing, but keeping prayer as a central point in our lives every day is even more important.