Faith Leaders Unite for Annual Pastoral Breakfast in Starkville
In the charming city of Starkville, faith leaders from all corners of Oktibbeha County came together for a heartwarming annual event known as the Pastoral Breakfast. Hosted at the beautiful Starkville Church of God, the gathering welcomed pastors, youth pastors, and lay church leaders from a diverse range of denominations. Attendees enjoyed a delightful homemade breakfast prepared by dedicated volunteers from the church.
Gratitude and Collaboration
The event kicked off with an opening speech from the district superintendent, who expressed immense gratitude for the unwavering support from the faith community. He emphasized the vital role that these leaders play in uplifting the Yellow Jacket staff, students, and their families through prayer. “None of us can do it alone,” he said earnestly. “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.”
A Growing Tradition of Unity
Setting a warm tone for the morning, SOCSD Jacket Police Chief Sammy Shumaker shared how many of the pastors meet regularly for morning prayer at local schools. This cherished tradition has blossomed beyond Oktibbeha County, expanding its reach to nearby counties like Lowndes, Noxubee, and Choctaw. Chief Shumaker reminisced, “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 other communities.” His words spoke to the heart of community solidarity and collaboration.
Words of Encouragement
As the breakfast continued, attendees listened intently to a short message delivered by Reverend Kendel Fisher, Senior Pastor at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Starkville. His words resonated deeply as he urged everyone to keep their eyes on Jesus and remember the immense power they hold to transform their community through faith. “Our way forward [as a community] is in Him,” he declared with passion. “When we keep on trusting Him, we can tap into His power, protection, and provision for our children and our families.”
A Day to Cherish
The district superintendent later shared enthusiasm for the event, offering heartfelt thanks to Chief Shumaker and the diligent staff at Starkville Church of God for their hard work in organizing the gathering. “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,” he added, underlining the importance of unity and cooperation.
Looking Ahead
The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District remains committed to achieving excellence through fostering the discovery and development of each student’s passion, purpose, and potential. As community members left the breakfast, a shared spirit of hope and collaboration filled the atmosphere. With the ongoing support of local churches and their leaders, it’s clear that great things are in store for the students and families of Starkville.
This gathering was more than just a breakfast; it was a powerful reminder that together, they can create a supportive and loving environment for every child in the community.
