May 7, 2009

Markell’s First Governor’s Prayer Breakfast Highlights “Service Beyond Self”

DOVER – As part of the National Day of Prayer activities, Governor Jack Markell joined Lt. Governor Matt Denn, along with government and religious leaders and members of the community, to hold Delaware’s 49th Annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast on Thursday.

The National Day of Prayer, recognized annually on the first Thursday in May, is an event in which millions of Americans unite to pray for our country and its leaders.

Governor Markell carried on that tradition at a breakfast at Dover’s Modern Maturity Center today, with more than 600 attendees.  In addition to prayer for our nation, this year’s breakfast highlighted the theme, “Service Beyond Self”, honoring our fellow citizens who serve for the betterment of their community.  The premise demonstrates the act of giving back to each other and to our communities, enabling a sense of self-sacrifice and pride.  It aims to remember the suffering of our fellow citizens in need and reminds us how even small acts can greatly enhance someone else’s life.

“This breakfast, on this day, is a powerful remembrance that when we are together, we cannot be stopped,” Markell said. “There is nothing we cannot achieve.”

An example of this was the donation of flowers for today’s event from local florists in the community.  They in turn, will be shared across the state with organizations including the Sheppard’s Place in Dover, the Lighthouse Shelter in Ellendale, and the Little Sisters of the Poor in Newark.

The guest speaker for this year’s event was Dr. William N. Johnston, the 16th president of Wesley College.  Prior to joining Wesley last June, he was president of Iowa Wesleyan College.  In his remarks this morning, Dr. Johnston reminded the audience, “It is never about us – many are waging and depending on our actions [to get them through].”