News

Robins hosts National Prayer Luncheon

  • Published
  • By Lanorris Askew
  • 78th ABW/PA
Robins Air Force Base, GA --  Nearly 450 members of Team Robins took time to join together in the name of prayer Jan. 29, during the Robins National Prayer Luncheon.

The Museum of Aviation Century of Flight Hangar was the site of members from various faiths laying aside their individual agendas and taking up the yoke of unity to pray for the country.

The message from Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) Cecil Richardson, Air Force deputy chief of chaplains, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., was delivered to a full house and centered on trust in God.

"Faith is what you do when you pray," he said. "Trust is what you do after you pray."

Using the Bible's Book of Job and pieces of his own life story as reference points, the chaplain explained that trust is critical, crucial and central to faith and amounts to the confidence and assurance that people can count on God no matter what.

"In the time of a storm, don't tell God how big the storm is," he told the audience. "Tell the storm how big God is."

In addition to the special guest speaker and prayers, the luncheon's agenda included a special tribute dedicated to those members of the armed forces listed as Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. Guests also heard special music by Christian music singer Judy Martin Hess and her band and scripture readings from the Muslim, Hebrew and Christian faiths.1st Lt. Darrell Gary, 116th Communications Squadron plans and implementation flight commander, said events like the prayer luncheon are important because even inside the military there tends to be artificial divisions.

"Today is a day where people of a like mind, even if they are of different faiths, can come together and celebrate a day of peace," said the lieutenant. "A day of prayer and time to just enjoy each other's company is special especially in times like these."

In closing remarks, Col. Warren Berry, 78th Air Base Wing commander, said we serve a higher purpose and it's the reason we all serve this country in the capacity we do at Robins.

"Today, remember those who serve," he said. "Remember those who serve our nation and make it a better place."

Melanie Farris, 78th Medical Group secretary, called the luncheon lovely and said she will definitely attend again next year. "The message was very inspiring and moving," she said. "I thought he was a wonderful speaker."