ELIZABETHTOWN — The annual Cry Out America event will be held Friday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. on the front lawn of the Bladen County Courthouse in Elizabethown.
The evening will be a time of prayer and song for our county, state and nation, according to organizers.
“The emphasis is God’s blessings past, present and future on Bladen County,” said the Rev. Larry Hayes, who helped to organize this year’s event.
The event usually takes place at noon but, this year, organizers opted to move the time to 6 p.m. Hayes said that it is hoped having the event later in the day will allow more folks to attend. Pam Ward, another of the event’s organizers, said that it was also hoped it would be a bit cooler in the evening, as well.
“I think more people will be able to come in the afternoon,” said Ward of the time change.
Speakers for the event will include the Rev. Chris Denny, Rev. Cameron McGill and Rev. Cliff Freeman. Hayes said there will also be a couple of honor guards present and they will change every 15 minutes. Bagpiper Arch Decascrique will also be present.
Hayes said county leaders are also expected to attend.
Hayes said there will also be youth groups from area churches present and Bladen County Sheriff’s Deputy Hakeem Brown will sing. There will also be other soloists on the program.
“We are looking for a good turnout,” said Hayes.
Ward said the idea for the event came when she attended a seminar in Falcon that was led by Billy Wilson.
“He talked it up,” said Ward.
She added there is a need for prayer.
“People need to come and pray for our nation. We sincerely want to be an example for our young people,” said Ward.
According to a brochure for Cry Out America provided by the website www.awakeningamerica.us, “Cry Out America is a prayer initiative of the Awakening America Alliance that pauses on September 11 each year to respond to this “wake-up call” for our generation. God’s people gather at thousands of locations, seeking deep transformation and a Christ awakening in their community and nation.”
In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place at Living Springs Church located on South Poplar Street in Elizabethtown.
—Erin Smith can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.
