"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Area students and athletes will strive to take St. Paul's admonishment to heart at the fourth annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes/Orangeburg-Calhoun Association of Clergy Prayer Breakfast, set for 7 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Orangeburg.

This year's theme is "From the Inside -- Out," based on Romans 12:2.

"Our goal is to really impact our youth for Christ in this area," FCA representative Earl Humes said. "We are trying to impact the lives of our young people from the inside out."

Speaker will be Lance Wright, South Carolina State University's director of collegiate ministry.

Wright received his bachelor's degree in marketing from Grambling State University in May 2004 and is currently in the process of earning a master of divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Wright has served in a number of ministries, including as a youth mentor in Louisiana, where he counseled middle school boys and later served as a special education teacher and coach on the high school level. He has also served as a collegiate ministry intern at Southern University New Orleans and Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., where he participated in weekly devotions with coaching staff and coordinated Bible studies with students and staff at both universities.

In addition to Wright, Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller will provide opening comments, and the Rev. Shane Wall, pastor of Feast of the Lord, will provide the opening prayer.

Musical selections will be offered by the Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School concert choir.

Prayers will be offered for:

-- Transformation of youth by Father Frank Larisey, rector of Orangeburg's Episcopal Church of the Redeemer.

-- Transformation of churches by Dr. Mike Smith, pastor of St. Andrews United Methodist Church.

-- Transformation of the community by Dr. Tommy Huggins, pastor of First Baptist Church in St. Matthews.

The closing prayer will be offered by the Rev. Paul Hamilton, director of pastoral care at the Regional Medical Center.

In the past, speakers have included sports officials from Clemson University, S.C. State and the University of South Carolina, and local ministers.

The breakfast usually draws more than 200 individuals, with young people representing several local schools and FCA chapters in attendance.

Humes said the event has been successful despite its early start time.

"It is really difficult getting young people there at that time in the morning," he said. "We are still working on that."

First Baptist Church will cater the breakfast. Money raised will go to support local FCA endeavors.

Tickets for the event are $10. For tickets, call Humes at 803-707-1197, Miller at 803-531-8503, and the Rev. Nate McMillan at 803-268-0690 or 803-747-1803.

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