Local pastors lead over 10,000 students in prayer for community

A dozen local pastors joined Liberty University students in prayer for their community during a special Convocation in the Vines Center on Monday. David Nasser, Liberty’s senior vice president for Spiritual Development, welcomed the preachers — a small representation of Lynchburg’s diverse church community — and joined them in praying for local families, schools, law enforcement, and leaders, as well as for unity and spiritual renewal. The Liberty Campus Band led the crowd of more than 10,000 students in worship.

Jonathan Falwell, senior pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church and son of Liberty founder Dr. Jerry Falwell, explained that God’s church is not contained within four walls. What unites Christians is the message of the Gospel — a force that cannot be stopped, he said.

“There is nothing that Satan can do to stop the forward movement and the presence of the local church,” Jonathan Falwell said. “When we go out into our communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Satan might try to stop us but he doesn’t have a chance against the Church; the gates of hell cannot prevail against it.”

One by one, local pastors took their turns in leading the students in prayer in between praise songs. In addition to Falwell, the guest pastors were: Marvin Suitt, Living Word Baptist Church; Nigel Alleyne, All Nations Community Church; Paul Dudley, One Community Church; Tyler Scarlett, Forest Baptist Church; Nathan Smith, Heritage Baptist Church; Andrew Moroz, Gospel Community Church; Jim Carter, Riverside Church; Bradley Mullinax, River Church; S.Y. Younger, The Ramp Church International; Jonge Tate, Bedrock Church; and Carl Weiser, Hyland Heights Baptist Church.

As the university prayed for city law enforcement, judges, and leadership, Joan Foster, current at-large member of Lynchburg City Council and former mayor, was asked to join Nasser on the stage. Nasser commended Foster for her commitment to the city, especially her care for the homeless.

“How blessed are we to have women like this leading our city,” Nasser said, adding that Liberty recognizes the importance of these community leaders and appreciates the service they provide.

Students raised their hands in support of Lynchburg’s leaders as Nasser prayed for them and for God’s blessing on the community.