The national holiday of prayer emphasizes the effects of the prayer

From Sheri trustworthy

Fremont – On May 1st, Dana Roca was in front of the crowd that gathered in the Fremont VfW Post 2947 Hall to have a national day of prayer ceremony and led the national anthem. Although she gave an extraordinary performance, the experience had another extraordinary element. Roca's fight against multiple sclerosis (MS) should have stopped at home, away from the world.

But the prayer gave her a song, both literally and figuratively.

Roca said she grew up in a Christian home, but turned away from her family in college. In 2009 she was diagnosed with MS, and about a year later she handed over her life to God. Between the time of her diagnosis and the time of her conversion, she didn't pray much for herself. She didn't have to.

Donna Thatcher, Left, and Barbara Moran Engler have summarized Fremonts National Day of Prayer Event. (Photo by Sheri trustworthy)

“When we suffer, we get involved in what happens, what is bad that we forget to pray,” she said. “But we have other people who pray for us.”

The prayers of others affected Roca's life. In the early days after her diagnosis, she said that she was “in my couch and waited for the next TV show”. Today she lives a full life despite the symptoms of MS. She sings in her church choir and events such as the national holiday of prayer, and she is a strong advocate for people with MS. She heads a monthly self -help group for people with MS on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Hayes United Methodist Church in Fremont. On May 10th at 9 a.m. she helps to lead the Walk Fremont at the Fremont YMCA. The event includes providers, a bouncy house, clowns, an Elvis imitator and a visit to Jon “Big Nut” Peters.

Dr. Robert Jones von rivers of Living Water Church speaks to the crowd before praying. (Photo by Sheri trustworthy)

“I try to spread awareness of MS,” said Roca. “It is amazing how many people have it but have no support.”

The mayor of Fremont, Danny Sanchez, took part in the prayer event and declared May 1st for the national day of the prayer day in the city of Fremont. He also spoke about the effects that prayer had on Roca's life.

“Through the power of the prayer and work of God, she could be here today,” said Sanchez.

Fremonts National Day of Prayer Event was organized by Fremont Area Women's Connection (FAWC), which is connected to Stoncroft Ministries. It was organized by the FAWC members Barbara Moran Engler and Donna Thatcher.

Deacon Melvin Shell from St. Ann and St. Joseph Catholic Parishes prays on the national holiday of the prayer. (Photo by Sheri trustworthy)

The event brought together clergymen from the entire Sandusky County, who prayed for the seven influencing centers in America: education, media, church, military, family, government and economy. The clergymen who prayed were Pastor Ken Dechant from Journey Church, Pastor Jonathan Edwards from the Grace Brethren Chapel, Dr. Robert Jones from the rivers of the living water church, Pastor Forrest Kirchenbauer from the Grace Community Church, the Kaplain Kevin Teaching of Heartland Hospice, Pastor Glennen Glenn Merrill from the Fremont Alliance Church from the Fremont Alliance Church and Deacon Melvin from St. Josh, and St. Cynthia and Rex Mason closed the event by the event by she led the group in “God Bless America”.

The event brought together different faith for people: ask God for help.

“We need them in a large and small way, in obvious and not so obvious way,” prayed church builders.

Sanchez said that changes never need.

“I say that every year, but we need prayer more than ever,” he said.