Last week, faith leaders from across Oktibbeha County gathered with Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District administrators at Starkville Church of God for the annual Pastoral Breakfast, hosted by the district Superintendent's Office and Dr. Tony McGee.
The event saw pastors, youth pastors, and lay church leaders from many denominations enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast prepared by volunteers from Starkville Church of God before an informal program.
Dr. Tony McGee opened the event sharing thanks to the group for their faithfulness not only to partner with the district to support students, but also for their willingness to hold up the Yellow Jacket staff, students and families in prayer.
"None of us can do it alone," he said. "We rely on your faithful prayer and support to help us meet the needs of our community. Our students are in your churches every week. You know them. As we work together, we can positively impact the boys and girls in our community as well as their families."
After breakfast, SOCSD Jacket Police Chief Sammy Shumaker opened the program by sharing how many of the pastors saw each other weekly during morning prayer time, a tradition at Oktibbeha County schools that has spread to other communities.
"What began as just a few of us meeting each Wednesday morning at one of the schools in our county has grown in numbers and also expanded to Lowndes County, Noxubee County, and Choctaw County," Shumaker shared.
Attendees at the Pastoral Breakfast heard a short message from Reverend Kendel Fisher, Senior Pastor at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Starkville. Fisher's message to the group was one of simple encouragement to keep their eyes on Jesus and never forget the power we all have to impact our community through God's spirit.
"Our way forward [as a community] is in Him," he shared. "When we keep on trusting Him, we can tap into his power, protection and provision for our children and our families."
"This annual event is something our administrators and I really look forward to," said Dr. McGee. "We're thankful to Chief Shumaker and the staff at Starkville Church of God for putting everything together. It's a tremendous blessing to know we have the continual support of these men of God who are faithful to pray and stand up to provide whatever they can for our students and community."
