WIESBADEN, Germany (March 28, 2014) -- In honor of promoting spiritual wellness among Soldiers, civilians and family members within the community, 5th Signal Command hosted a prayer breakfast Friday at the Community Activity Center.
Historically, the prayer breakfast has been a tradition within Army communities, designed to promote fellowship and spiritual wellness. This tradition began with the National Prayer Breakfast, which has been a yearly event held in Washington, D.C., on the first Thursday of February of each year since 1953.
"This is an opportunity for us to spiritually recharge our batteries," said Chaplain (Col.) Rodney A. Lindsay, chaplain, U.S. Army Europe and event guest speaker. "We get together, break bread and offer prayers for our families and friends. It''s just a way to promote a sense of spiritual resiliency within our community."
During the event, Soldiers, civilians and family members were able to enjoy a healthy breakfast and join different spiritual leaders within the community in prayer.
A prayer for Soldiers was offered by Chaplain (Maj.) Randall E. Bowen, chaplain, 2nd Signal Brigade. Other prayers were offered for civilians and for the command by Chaplain (Capt.) Daniel U. Korie, chaplain, 102nd Signal Battalion and by Sgt. 1st Class Arthur L. Woods Jr., senior chaplain assistant, 5th Signal Command.
There was also a musical performance by Dan Meyers, a Christian recording artist with Pilgrim Road Ministries.
"I really enjoy playing at these events, because it is truly an honor to serve those people who serve our country," said Meyers.
After being introduced as the guest speaker, Lindsay spoke to the audience about many subjects, but his speech was highlighted by his discussion on Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Bystander Intervention.
"We have most recently associated Bystander Intervention with SHARP," said Lindsay. "But, we should not limit our willingness to intervene just to situations involving sexual harassment and sexual assault."
With nearly 100 Soldiers, civilians and family members in attendance, there is little doubt the prayer breakfast was a welcomed event within this Army community. Increasing the number of events each year, as well as increasing the attendance for each event, is something that 5th Signal Command plans to do in the future according to Chaplain (Col.) Carleton W. Birch, chaplain, 5th Signal Command.
"This is the first prayer breakfast we've had since I have been with the command," Birch said. "So we were definitely encouraged by the turn out. We want to schedule more events throughout the year, possibly once a quarter."
As the prayer breakfast ended, Col. Wade R. Doenges, deputy commander, 5th Signal Command, took a moment to present Lindsay and Meyers with gifts on behalf of the command and to thank them for their contributions to the event. Doenges also shared his personal appreciation for the prayer breakfast.
"In the past, I had been reluctant to share my faith within the Army community," said Doenges. "But, as a leader, if I am unwilling to share my faith with others, can I ever truly have it?"
"The effectiveness of the prayer breakfast is easily measured by how many people attend," said Lindsay. "The formula for increasing attendance is quite simple. When leaders lead, Soldiers follow."
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