Communities across St. Clair County came together at Eden Westside Baptist Church in Pell City for PRAY '18. Photo by Dona Bonnett

Pray ’18 proved to be a phenomenal event for city leaders in St. Clair County with approximately twelve cities participating and a huge crowd in attendance.  This event was hosted by Eden Westside Baptist Church this past Sunday night where church members, area communities, city and county leaders came together to pray over our cities in St. Clair County and those that border our county for safety of everyone and discernment and wise decision-making for each community leader.

The special service began with the Pell City High School ROTC presenting the Pledge of Allegiance to our Nation’s flag followed by Eden Westside students leading the Pledge to the Christian Flag. Participants in the service included the President of the Pell City Ministerial Association, Yolanda O’Neil, Zoe’ Champion, St. Clair Baptist Mission Director – Dr. Chris Crain, Santana Smith, Pastor Jay Stewart of First Baptist Ashville and Eden Westside’s Praise Team led the congregational songs. 

Congressman Mike Rogers, members of the St. Clair County Commission, St. Clair County judges and leaders from Pell City, Leeds, Moody, Odenville, Ashville, Steel, Argo, Ragland, Riverside, Margaret, Lincoln and Irondale were recognized on stage with mayors, police and fire chiefs, school superintendents and other city leaders.  Bro. Jacky Connell led the special prayer time and attendees spent time in audible prayers for each leader and city represented.  Channel 42 television news media was there to cover the event. 

Planning for this event began when Rev. Connell, senior pastor at Eden Westside, felt a call from God to bring our area leaders together for a time of encouragement and prayer.  Other cities are now challenged to hold Pray ’18 events in their municipal areas and Rev. Connell hopes that this idea will go nationally.  Plans are already underway for this to be an annual event.

Eden Westside would like to thank each and every person who attended, all who participated in the service, those who helped in the planning and volunteers who worked the event.  For more information about Pray ’18, please contact Beth Cooper at 205-338-7711 and visit www.EdenWestside.org.