MANSFIELD — Dozens marched from Penn Avenue to South Park on Thursday evening during the National Day of Prayer parade.
For 15-year-old Aiyana Hearn, the event represented more than a community gathering.
“It lets you know that you’re not alone, you have people who love you,” Hearn said.
The event inspired Hearn because it brought people into the community instead of keeping them isolated behind phone screens, she said.
“As a young person it’s important to make sure I keep doing things like this.”
After the parade, residents gathered at South Park for an evening of worship, prayer and fellowship. Several churches distributed bagged meals and hygiene products.
Ashland Mayor states there is power in words
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller served as the evening’s special speaker and encouraged attendees to think carefully about the words they speak.
“Our words have power. They have the power to create and the power to tear down,” Miller said. “The words you speak are so powerful.”
(Story continues below video. Ashland Mayor Matt Miller speaks at National Day of Prayer event. Credit: Hannah Martin)
“You pay attention to the words you speak about this city and its future. You make sure you are painting with your words a picture of where Mansfield is going to be one day.”
Miller also encouraged attendees not to live in fear.
“Tonight, there might be some of you whose life is full of fear,” he said. “Has God ever let His people down? Never.”
Miller said he asked himself on the way to the event, “Lord, why am I coming here?” He said the only answer that came to mind was God wanted him there to help polish the tools to bring revival to Mansfield.
“We want you to be polished. That’s what it’s going to take to clean up Mansfield and make it a vibrant city,” Miller said. “You have to get rid of the unforgiveness and always be thankful.”
Elected officials join residents in National Day of Prayer
Along with Miller, several elected officials joined the community for the National Day of Prayer.
Pastors gathered at the front with elected officials and prayed over them. Afterward, Fifth Ward Councilman Aurelio Diaz presented a proclamation on behalf of Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry, who was unable to attend.
The Continental Congress first proclaimed the National Day of Prayer in 1775. Diaz said this year marks the 75th observance of the National Day of Prayer.
“I really look forward to this event,” Diaz said. “As elected officials, we really are touched when you pray for us and think of us.”
(Photos from the National Day of Prayer Parade. Credit: Hannah Martin)
