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"As we pray today, we must open our hearts and minds and our doors in addressing the challenges of all people. We can accomplish so much by working together."
That was the message Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale brought to the record gathering of 250 at the 14th annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, which was held Thursday morning at The Cinema.
Tisdale challenged those gathered to use their faith and the power of prayer to address the challenges facing Orangeburg and surrounding areas, namely disparities in health care, education and social justice.
While acknowledging Orangeburg has much to celebrate -- including its All-America County status, the Edisto Gardens, its leaders and various organizations and agencies -- Tisdale asked attendees to reassess why people join community groups.
"For many of us, being a part of an organization is strictly a professional thing, a social thing or a feel good thing," he said. "Many of us don't want to hear about other people's problems. We are not going to church to hear our pastor to make us feel uncomfortable in any way or make us feel a little bit responsible for the concern of others."
Tisdale compared life to a boat, one of which is comprised of a first class (the haves) and second or third classes (the have nots).
"On one end of the boat were sitting the haves, the riches, the wealthy. They did not have any problems. They are secure; they are safe," he said. "On the other end, things were not going well because on the other end of the boat were the have nots ... and they had a hole on the end of their boat."
Tisdale said while the haves could have given resources to the have nots, they chose not to, thinking that the others could fix the hole since it was their problem.
"When the boat sank, the haves all went down with the have nots," he said. "So remember, we are all in the same boat. We are all responsible for the common good."
The pursuit of the common good means bringing justice to all, Tisdale said, highlighting a consistently high drop-out rate among minorities, health problems facing minorities and the social issues brought to light in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
"We were exposed as a nation that didn't seem to think about or plan for the poor people, black people or elderly people," he said. "We didn't want the world to identify them with the wealthiest, strongest and most powerful nation in the world. With all its bright lights and partying reputation ... New Orleans was exposed as a city with a dark side ... the dark side of poverty, social injustice, health disparities and educational inequalities.
"With Katrina, the spotlight was on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. What about Orangeburg County? Could we endure the spotlight if it was turned on us?"
Tisdale said adults should talk to children and provide them with hope and opportunities that would draw them away from the enticement of gangs other undesirable activities and behaviors.
"A lot of young people are challenged right in our community," he said. "Dropping out of school is one thing, but dropping out of society is something else that we need to pay attention to."
Tisdale talked about a recent meeting with middle school children who overwhelming said their dream was to be a football player.
After sharing his personal story and stories about dreams and visions, Tisdale said the students changed their outlook about their potential.
"We need to talk to our young men and women about the endless possibilities and opportunities available to them," he said. "Make them believe it can happen to them."
Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller, recognizing the overflowing crowd that required the setup of additional tables, said the breakfast reveals a local need.
"We have to get together as a community so we can pray for our community, for our country and for one another," Miller said.
Robert Houston of Orangeburg, a first-time prayer breakfast attendee and member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, said in a world of turmoil, seeking assistance from a higher power is normal.
"The way things are going right now, we need all the prayer we can get," he said. "By coming together like this, it will strengthen the people. With all the things happening, we can never have enough prayer."
North resident John Strickland says his attendance at the prayer breakfast was an effort to show his solidarity with those across the country observing the National Day of Prayer and the important role prayer has played in the history of the United States.
Strickland said there is plenty to pray about, particularly the war in Iraq and the safety of soldiers fighting overseas.
First-time prayer breakfast attendee Darlene Goodyn said prayer is important both personally and corporately.
"We need to be praying for our troops, for our country and for our area, which needs a lot of prayer," she said. "We have a lot of situations going on. I think prayer is an answer to a lot of things.
"The troops will tell you that prayer is what got them through and that they need to pray every day. I think we should start our day with it (prayer)."
The Rev. John Powell of the First Church of the Nazarene and president of the Orangeburg County Association of Clergy shared an opening invocation that highlighted the attitude with which to enter into prayer.
"We are reminded that you tell us in your word to call upon me, and I will answer you and will show you great and mighty things that you do not know," Powell prayed. "There are so many things we don't know in this world. We are being pressed on every side by problems and situations and questions that we can't give answers. But we are glad that we trust and serve one today who does know and does have answers."
Powell identified the Thursday morning gathering as a witness of faith.
"Believing your word that if my people, who are called by name, would humble themselves and pray and seek my favor and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land," he prayed.
In that spirit, pastors from area churches offered prayers for local and national concerns, including government leaders, the education community, families, churches, public safety officials and medical professionals. Prayers were also lifted for peace.
Members of the Claflin University Concert Choir lifted up their voices with four selections -- "I Sing as I Rise Today," "Get on Board Little Children," "Seek the Lord" and "Witness."
Claflin's Concert Choir has been invited to China in June as part of the choral tribute and prelude to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, and the group needs $10,000 more to make the trip a reality. Miller encouraged the community to contribute to the effort.
Piggly Wiggly catered Thursday's breakfast, complete with eggs, grits, bacon, sausage and biscuits.
T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5551. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.