May 4 was the National Day of Prayer and LaBelle’s A Gathering of Christian Men held its annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast to commemorate the occasion.

Darrell Harris(center) prayed for the people of Hendry County and Ron Zimmerly(left) prayed for the City of LaBelle. (Submitted photo/Val White)

The assembly started with coffee and fellowship at LaBelle Civic Center at 6:00 a.m. St. Matthew’s House of Port LaBelle catered the event with a buffet style breakfast. Ed Kuntz, President of A Gathering of Christian Men, introduced Mayor David Lyons who said a blessing over the food just before everyone sat down to eat.

Following the breakfast, the Sheriff’s Color Guard brought in the American flag and Ed Kuntz led those in attendance with the pledge of allegiance.

Coby Wilkins then sang two songs of worship in devotion before the the prayer ceremony began.

Pastor Luis Calderon led the recitations with a prayer for our country and those in positions of government followed by Gene McAvoy who followed up with a prayer for the state. Next, Darrell Harris prayed for the people of Hendry County and Ron Zimmerly prayed for the City of LaBelle. Jim Kutzner then prayed for the people in our Military and our Veterans. LaBelle’s Sheriff Steve Whidden prayed for our public safety and first responders and finally, School Superintendent, Paul Puletti, prayed for our children, teachers, and schools.

A pastoral message was then given to the Mayor by Pastor Frank Dana.

The morning’s event was sponsored by A Gathering of Christian Men, The City of LaBelle, Kiwanis Aktion Club, St. Matthew’s House, and Preston Long with the First Baptist Church.