MIAMI — Hosting its annual prayer breakfast is one way that the Urban League of Broward County, a community based organization that works to empower African-Americans, endeavors to put into action its vision of being a “catalyst for change in Broward County.”

On Saturday, Dec. 1 community members and leaders attended the league’s Roots Deep, Foundation Strong Community Prayer Breakfast held at the First Church of the Open Bible in Fort Lauderdale.

The breakfast began at 8:00 a.m. as attendees of all ages congregated in the dining hall, where they were treated to eggs, biscuits, muffins, coffee, orange juice and more.

With their appetites sated, parishioners souls’ were further fed following the breakfast, as they gathered in the sanctuary for prayer and a message from Bishop Charles Ellis III, senior pastor of Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, Mich.

Before Bishop Ellis’ message, several prayers were offered on several different topics by spiritual leaders from throughout Broward County. Prayer for the community, family and youth was led by Neighborhood Pastor Brody Howell of First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale.

“I hope that my prayer for our community, families and youth will be a cry to God to restore broken homes, meet the needs of parents who are hurting financially, emotionally and spiritually,” said Pastor Howell, “and to empower our youth to be a generation of godliness and leadership in their schools and communities.”

The Rev. Amos Benefield, senior pastor of Anointed Word Ministries, prayed for elected officials,  civic and spiritual leaders.
Senior pastor of Mount Hermon AME, the Rev. Willie Cook, led a prayer for the economy and the nation.

Prayer for the Urban League of Broward County was directed by the Rev. Juana Jordan, pastor of Harris Chapel, UMC. By the time the keynote message was ready to be received the congregation was enthused. Following the breakfast, a concert starring noted gospel singer Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole was presented at the Urban League of Broward County’s Community Empowerment Center, 560 N.W. 27 Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.

Howell said these types of events are important for the community. “They bring together believers in Jesus Christ, breaking down ethnic, cultural, political and denominational differences to be united in prayer, calling out to God to meet the needs of our great community in Broward County,” Howell said.

The local affiliate of the National Urban League offers many programs and services to assist in the betterment of the local community. This was the seventh year that the Broward County chapter has held the community prayer breakfast.

For more information on league programs and services call 954-584-0777 or visit ulbroward.org