By Thomas Sellers Jr.
An emotional night at the Baker Community ended with a prayer circle around Millington Mayor Terry Jones.
The former Navy officer, had his family on his heart as he opened up the annual observance of the National Day of Prayer in the Flag City. With an illness in his family, Jones fought back tears getting the evening of prayers started. Once all the presenters were done, the group called Jones back to the forefront for a prayer dedicated to his situation.
The 71st National Day of Prayer event for Millington was organized by the Millington Arts & Recreation Department’s Alex Harris, community leaders, dignitaries and clergy delivered prayers focusing on government, church, military, family, education, media, business and the National Prayer.
This year’s event had a couple of special elements opening with a video featuring the Battle Hymn Republic. Then Jones delivered the opening prayer prior to special guest, the honorable Judge Chris Craft, 30th Judicial District Criminal Court Judge of Memphis took to the podium.
Others to speak and deliver prayers were Dave Reece (retired Env. Chief Memphis Corps of Engineers), Gary Graves (Public Safety Director for Millington), Mark Dunbar (Millington Chief of Police), Rev. Kent Moorlack (Pastor of Richland ARP Government in America), Dr. Gary Kropf (Gideons International of Millington representative The Churches in America), Pastor Arthur Norwood (Christ Outreach Ministries/retired Memphis Fire Investigator Military & First Responders in America), Thomas McGhee (City of Millington Alderman), Bo Griffin (Millington Municipal Schools Superintendent), Mark Price (founder and CEO of Camp Conquest), Pastor OC Horton (Promiseland Missionary Baptist).
Those gathered in the audience song and later joined in the prayer on behalf of the Jones family.
