Last Tuesday, I was pleased to attend the Chapin Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast and joined several other men and women of faith for a wonderful event and breakfast.

I want to personally thank Mayor Stan Shealy for his commitment to this event in our community.

Pictured above is Dr. Ken Kelly, pastor of Chapin Baptist, along with Dawn Smith Jordan, former Miss South Carolina, and the Rev. Derrick Gardner, founding pastor of the Life Springs Worship Center in West Columbia.

Dawn performed a few songs and displayed the wonderful talent God has given her. Derrick shared a remarkable story about prayer and how in his own personal life it has provided great things. Particularly how it helped his parents years ago become missionaries to South Africa.

Remember, God does answer all prayers. Sometimes with a “yes”; other times with a “no”; occasionally with “not right now”.

That thought brings me to a favorite verse of mine: Jeremiah 29:11 “….For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…”

I leave with this: Prayer should be our first resource; not our last resort.