Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs says under the theme, "Understanding The Times, Knowing What To Do!," will be the 8th Annual National Day of Prayer to be held Sunday, January 13, 2013 in front of the Government Administration Building. The ecumenical service will begin at 4:30 PM with Praise and Worship led by the Bells Brothers.
The Order of Service includes words of exhortation by the clergy representing the Council of Churches, Seventh Day Adventist Church and the St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation.
Intercessory prayers and prayer of consecration will be offered by Pastor Vincent Gumbs, Pastor Emile Powell, Pastor Myrna Lake and Pastor Jamella Guy, Atul Pereppadan while Reverend Father Bob will deliver the sermonette. Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams and Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs will speak on behalf of government.
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the second Sunday of January, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was decreed in 2005 by an Executive Council resolution of the then Island Territory of Sint Maarten, and became part and parcel of the annual cultural calendar of program and activities.
The National Day of Prayer Committee’s mission is to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for St. Martin and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Law enforcement, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family.
In accordance with Biblical truth, the National Day of Prayer Committee seeks to:
Foster unity within the Christian Church
Protect St. Maarten’s Constitutional Freedoms to gather, worship, pray and speak freely.
Publicize and preserve St. Maarten’s Christian heritage
Encourage and emphasize prayer, regardless of current issues and positions
Respect all people, regardless of denomination or creed
Be wise stewards of God’s resources and provision
Glorify the Lord in word and deed
The committee further seeks to encourage "the understanding of the importance of cultural expression and diversity as essential elements of cultural development".
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs hereby encourages the general public to participate in the National Day of Prayer to intercede for St. Maarten’s leaders and the entire population as we start a New Year.