The 57th National Prayer Breakfast

There is nothing I could write that would explain the way I have felt the last 2 days.  Neither could I do justice to the events that took place surrounding the 57th National Prayer Breakfast, because I still can't believe the things that happened and the people I met.

The entire thing was larger than life.  Held in the International Ballroom at the Washington Hilton, there were 300 tables inside the ballroom and many more in other rooms of the hotel with live video feeds.  We were lucky enough to sit in the main ballroom, table #120, practically center, about 100 feet from the stage.  It was spectacular and inspiring. 

Some of you had heard that I was going this year, and most of you have no idea what it is.  If you google the NPB you will be given results primarily about Obama's presence and what he had to say in his speech.  Yes, he was there, and he did speak, and though he did in the press, he did not overshadow the many other speakers at the breakfast.  Tony Blair, the keynote speaker,  was so eloquent and passionate that he truly stole the show.  Because I cannot even attempt to summarize his feeling and incredible words, click here for an excerpt from his speech.  You can also look up Pres. Obama's speech, it is featured on youtube in two parts.

Other speakers included:

Jo Ann Emerson, Missouri Congresswoman

Ike Skelton, New York Senator

Todd Akin, Missouri Congressman

John Lewis, Georgia Congressman

Vernon Ehlers, Michigan Congressman and Breakfast Co-Chair

Heath Shuler, North Carolina Congressman and Breakfast Co-Chair

Chief Michell Hicks, Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

To even further add to the already stellar bill, Casting Crowns performed twice, bringing me nearly to tears. I am such a sap.  Along with their attendance, more than 100 countries were represented and a dozen head's of state were recognized including the Presidents, Kings, and Leaders of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Macedonia, and other countries I can't remember.  I sat there and really couldn't find a single reason I deserved to be in the same room as these people... until we prayed together.

Another amazing thing was that we were seated with a couple, Jeff and Mindy Caliquire, who attend Willowcreek Church.  The same church that I went to while at ITeams for training.  Even more amazing was that on the Sunday I attended their church, I saw their eldest son baptized.  I was so happy to connect with them on a level that no one but God could have made possible.  In a room of two thousand people, 1995 of whom I have never met, He sits me with the Caliguires.  How funny.

Another interesting person who sat with us was the Mayor of Medellin, Columbia.  I was so stunned, and honored by his presence at our table.  Unfortunately the language barrier kept me from asking about his city and the burning need for ministry there.  I had heard amazing things about the youth in his city during my ITeams training, and I admit I let an opportunity to really encourage him slip by.  I tried to enlist a spanish speaker to help translate, but was unsuccessful, and my prayers for him are going to have to be enough.  For now.