CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Faith leaders across West Virginia joined together via the miracle of modern technology Wednesday to collectively seek a higher power to assist those battling against the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Spiritual leaders lent their support to Gov. Jim Justice’s declaration of a day of prayer amid the pandemic.
“I pray for all of us in our great state that You will intervene now and hear our words as I know You will and some way, somehow, intervene to stop this terrible virus,” Justice prayed in opening up the ceremony.
Dr. Dan Anderson, president of Appalachian Bible College, moderated the virtual prayer meeting linked via Skype and other video tools.
“There’s a portion of scripture that comes to my mind in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that says, ‘If my people which are called by My name shall humble themselves and pray, seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land,” Anderson read.
“We are in trouble, we are in dark days, but I am thankful that help is on the way. I am thankful for God that will help us,” said Dr. John Smith, Pastor of Teays Valley Missionary Baptist Church ahead of his prayer during the nearly hour long service.
Also offering up prayers and words were Pastor Matt Friend of Bible Center in Charleston, Bishop Mark Brennan of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Pastor Mark Johnson of the Independent Bible Church of Martinsburg, and Rabbi Joe Blair of the Temple Israel in Charleston.
Maranatha Church Choir of Sissonville, Jeff and Teresa Bryant of the First Baptist Church of Fairlea, and Michael Long of Appalachian Bible College made musical contributions to the on-line service.
Several thousand people followed the service live across the Governor’s social media platforms. .