WILMINGTON — Without regard for the forecasts of rain, the first Outdoor Interfaith Praise and Worship Gathering was very well-attended. Approximately 60 people representing nine churches were at the Wilmington Church of Christ on Locust Street in Wilmington on Sunday evening, July 11.

Following the greeting given by Karen Isaac of Faith United Ministries, Pastor Matt Morgan of Fellowship of Faith in Clarksville offered prayer.

However, prior to offering prayer, Pastor Matt made brief remarks which included his personal feelings that something big is about to happen in Wilmington and that this and future Interfaith Gatherings would be a big part of it.

Ms. Isaac resumed the program by introducing two exceptionally uplifting vocalists, Marty Jones and Robyn McMillan, and four very talented musicians, Tom Testa, Mike Shaw, Jordan Hubbard and Matt Siders, whom had never played together until two hours before the program began.

Simultaneous with the beginning of the music was the toe tapping, hand clapping and raised arms. The opening remarks and the praise hymns set the tone for an evening of moving testimonies and joyful singing.

Marty Jones brought the first inspirational comments as she spoke of her daughter’s miraculous recovery from Covid-19 after 166 days in the hospital, multiple surgeries, ventilated numerous times, final effort treatments and many days in intensive care in critical condition.

Later, her daughter, Molly Chapol, gave her own testimony just before she and her little daughter, Addie, sang “Let Me Tell You About My Jesus”, leaving few dry eyes in the audience.

Autumn, from the Hillsboro area, told of her struggles with drug addiction, the trials and tribulations that accompany “The devil’s handy work” and the strength and courage it takes “…to get your life back.”

The power that only comes through faith and yielding to God’s will.

Pastor Dale McCamish, host of the Gathering, delivered a thought-provoking message, based on scripture, personal experiences and recent interactions with others, from a missionary to a young boy who had never been told about Jesus.

He challenged every Christian present to tell the story of Jesus, His lessons and commandments at every opportunity.

“In particular” he added: “Ask those people you interact with, during the course of your normal day, if you can pray for them.” In closing Pastor Dale reminded those who would take up his challenge, of Jesus’ words in Mathew 28:20: “For Lo I will be with you, even until the end of the World.”

There is another Gathering in the planning stages for August. Details will be announced in the near future.