It was a packed house for Mayor Mark Senter’s 8th National Day of Prayer Breakfast at Christo’s Banquet Center Thursday morning.
The morning began with a welcome by First Lady LeAnn Senter, the presentation of the colors by Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from Troop 251 and 257 and the singing of the National Anthem lead by Linda Star.
Following a wonderful sit-down breakfast served by the staff of Christo’s Mayor Senter introduced his guest speaker, Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter. Superintendent Carter served 18 years with the state police and two terms as Sheriff of Hamilton County before being appointed Superintendent of the Indiana State Police by Governor Mitch Daniels.
During his speech to a crowd of nearly 300 Carter went back in time to try and help people understand “what got us to where we are today.” He referenced several incidents between law enforcement starting with the Rodney King in 1991 in South Central Los Angles. He then fast forwarded to the spring of 1994 with the O.J. Simpson case “where many felt the police had planted evidence to convict a black man.” From then without naming names, he spoke of the tragedy in April 99 at Columbine High School, “the first act of mass violence we experienced of this type.”
The ISP Superintendent encouraged citizens to put their trust back in law enforcement and to work on breaking down the barriers in the communities. Carter said, “We are at a crossroads. Citizens need to control yourselves and the people you influence. Take a personal inventory of your life and make it right if you have to because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.”
The Mayor’s Assistant, Laura Mann closed the event by recognizing the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts in attendance and encouraged those present to drop a donation into the baskets placed on the tables, noting, “These young men are our future, and I believe we are in very good hands.” Proceeds from the breakfast and the donations gathered Thursday morning will be distributed to the approximately 80 Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in the City of Plymouth to assist in the cost to attend camp.
At noon a small group gathered at the Marshall County Court House for the National Day of Prayer with Senior Associate Pastor Collin Seitz from Crossroads Church in Plymouth. They prayed for Federal, State, County and City government officials. They prayed for families and children, churches and pastors, service men and women, educators and our communities. They also gave thanks for living in a county that allows citizens to gather and pray freely without fear.
