"Wake-Up America"

COLTON >> Bible reference Isaiah 58:1 was chosen for the 65th annual National Day of Prayer. In February 1952, White House Speaker Sam Rayburn invited 32 year-old Evangelist Billy Graham to pray and bring a message to the steps of our Capital. This resulted in a calling for an annual National Day of Prayer. The bill passed through congress and was signed by President Harry Truman on April 17, 1952. Vonette Bright, wife of Dr. Bill Bright (Founder of Campus Crusade for Christ in Arrowhead Springs) petitioned congress to dedicate the first Thursday of May as our National Day of Prayer. By a joint resolution of the United States congress, this date was accepted and it was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on May 5, 1988. Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton Hotel chain, even took out a full page ad featuring Uncle Sam on his knees in prayer. At 9 a.m. EST on May 5, our nation held its 65th annual National Day of Prayer at our nation's Capitol. Dr. Tony Evans, 2016 Honorary Chairman, closed this year’s prayer time along with more than 47,000 similar gatherings across the United States. Approximately 90 other nations joined in to pray for America. Colton community members also joined in to observe the national day of prayer at noon on Thursday, May 5. On the lawn under our flag at Colton City Hall, Colton High School Principal Pete Tasaka opened our National Day of Prayer by welcoming the group and introducing Dr. “G” (Louis Gonzales), educator and city council member to lead in the flag salute and a musical tribute on the trumpet. The opening prayer was given by former Mayor Kelly Chastaine. The proclamation was given by our current Mayor, Richard DeLaRosa. A prayer for the City of Colton was given by Pastor Dane Aaker and the prayer for guidance was led by Superintendent Jerry Almendarez. Pastor Oly Chavez followed with a scripture reading before Pastor Conrad Valdez offered a prayer for our great nation. Noah Webster, Aurelio DeLaTorre, Lieutenant Mike Hadden of the Colton Police Department, Colton Fire Chief Tim McHargue, Pastor Paul Stumpt, Zamora Jorrin, Pastor Tom Dicus, Pastor Eric Strutz, and Pastor Danny Fuentes also spoke at the event. The closing prayer was given by Pastor Tim Isom, who invited everyone to attend next year's event, which will be held on May 4 and sponsored by Inland Empire Faith Collective.