‘Don’t Quit’ at National Prayer Luncheon

Published March 4, 2014
By Michael Golembesky
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Bringing together religious representatives from around the region to take part in the annual observance, Team Pete held its National Prayer Luncheon Feb. 26 at the Club ballroom.

The event brought together not only people of faith, but those wanting to take part in this national tradition of blessing our nation as we move forward into the future.

The National Prayer Breakfast is a yearly event held in Washington, D.C., on the first Thursday of February. The founder was Abraham Vereide, a Norwegian-born Methodist clergyman and founder of Goodwill Industries. The event -- which is actually a series of meetings, luncheons, and dinners -- has taken place throughout the nation since 1953.

"You were created with a purpose in mind, you are a designer's original," said Chaplain (Navy Capt.) Brenda BradleyDavila, North American Aerospace Defense and United States Northern command chaplain and this year's guest speaker.

The luncheon drew about 130 attendees bringing together those of multiple faiths for the annual observance.

BradleyDavila gave a captivating and interactive speech, with the theme "Don't Quit." Don't quit because you have a purpose; we all have a purpose said BradleyDavila as she paced the floor creating a personal connection with the audience.

At the beginning of her speech, she handed out two containers of modeling clay and asked two volunteers to model a human figure as she continued to speak, inspiring the listeners with confidence and conviction.

"Hold them up for everyone to see and tell us what was going through your mind as you were forming and modeling your creation," she said as the two Airmen held up and displayed their doughy figures. "You thought about it, you put time and effort into the creation of it, this is what God has done for each and every one of us."

BradleyDavila was energetic and uplifting, leaving those in attendance with rejuvenated faith and a sense of purpose that is achievable as long as we don't quit.

The following day, about 60 runners turned out for a 5k run starting at the fitness center. The chapel organized the run with the same "Don't Quit" theme to remind participants that spiritual and physical fitness are both part of the four pillars of resiliency.

For more information about the national prayer luncheon or other spiritual retreat opportunities, contact the Peterson Chapel at 556-4442.