A large crowd gathered Saturday morning at Academy Park for the 11th annual Prayer in the Park, an event focused on prayer for students, educators, first responders, public officials, and the community.
Despite the August heat, temperatures felt pleasant under the shade of the trees as residents gathered for the annual event organized by Michael and Chequella Walker.
“We’re living in some not-so-good times right now, and I think the only thing that’s going to help is prayer,” Michael Walker said during his welcome.
Chris Plant of Men of Courage delivered the opening prayer. Quoting Scripture, Plant said, “If the church will come together in unity the world will see Me.”
Plant prayed for safety in schools, safety for the community, strength in marriages, and for God to place His protection around Minden and Webster Parish. Men and Women of Courage also distributed free Bibles during the event.
Gary Swanson provided a musical selection and first reminded the crowd of the importance of faith.
“We need to remember that God is in control of all of it,” Swanson said. “You know, Jesus is coming back, and we need to make sure that we’re ready.”
Swanson then performed “People Get Ready.”
Minden Fire Chief Brian Williams spoke about fire safety and the importance of having functioning smoke detectors in every home.
The Minden Fire Department brought a fire engine to Academy Park and provided a sign-up opportunity for residents to receive free 10-year lithium-battery smoke detectors. Williams encouraged residents to visit the fire department to learn more about fire safety and sign up for a detector.
“As everyone knows, Minden suffered a tragic loss — the death of a local child in April of this year,” Williams said. “Your Minden Fire Department is trying to make sure that this does not ever happen again in our city. We want to make sure that we have working smoke alarms in every home in the city.”
The event also introduced leadership at Webster Junior High School. Principal Anthony Kennedy and the new Assistant Principal Deric Harrison were welcomed by the crowd.
“I’m so elated to serve in a city that lives out Luke 8:1,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy said a group had recently visited the school and requested to pray over each building on the campus.
“I’m a firm believer that prayer avails much, so please continue to pray for us,” he said.
Kennedy said his number one priority is student safety, emphasizing that safety extends beyond protection from physical harm to creating an environment free from sarcasm, bullying, and other negative influences.
“Our number one responsibility is student achievement,” Kennedy continued. “We want our children to come on our campus and grow as students to be better citizens for our society.”
Clifford Williams also addressed the crowd before performing “Because He Lives.”
“We want to remember that our children are our future,” Williams said. “And the song simply says, ‘Because Jesus lives, I can face tomorrow. Because Jesus lives, all of our fears are gone.’”
Rev. Prescott Thomas of St. Rest Baptist Church of Cullen and a Minden resident, delivered the closing prayer, asking for continued protection over students, school employees, and the community.
“Touch our staff, God. Bless our children and, dear Lord, right now we ask, God, encamp Your angels around every school campus, dear Lord. Set up Your hedge of protection around our great city, oh God. We thank You for all that You have done, dear Lord, and all that You are going to do,” Thomas prayed.
The Walkers also expressed their appreciation to those who attended or watched the event and to the individuals, businesses, and organizations that contributed to its success.
“Michael and Chequella Walker would like to thank everyone who came or watched the 11th annual Prayer in the Park. Without the community support, we couldn’t do it,” Walker said.
The Walkers thanked those who donated backpacks, including Dan Weaver and the Ward Marshal’s Office, GBT Bank, Jimbo Yocom Law Firm, Attorney Eric Johnson, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Kenny Smith of Mississippi.
They also expressed appreciation to Plant and Thomas for their prayers and to Swanson and Clifford Williams for providing music.
Walmart was thanked for providing goodie bags and refreshments for attendees.
Walker also recognized his wife, Chequella, for her work behind the scenes to help ensure the event ran smoothly.
“Last but not least, my wife, Chequella Walker, who is always behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly,” he said.
The Walkers also offered special thanks to Williams, Kennedy, and Harrison for their participation in the community gathering.
As a new school year begins, the annual Prayer in the Park once again brought the Minden community together to lift up its children, educators, first responders, leaders, and families in prayer, sending them into the coming year with a message of faith, unity, and protection.
