What makes a person move left or right, go one way or another? It is not just one moment bUT a confluence of many swirling events working together. Was it memorizing scripture? In Romans 8:28 we read, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Was it the Promise Keepers men’s exhortations? 

A Promise Keeper is committed to honoring Jesus Christ through worship, prayer and obedience to God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit. A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of Biblical unity. 

Yes, to the last two questions. I had a 20-minute ride on the Turnpike between Lebanon and Harrisburg every day. One morning in 1995, the Holy Spirit put it in my mind to invite people of faith in Jesus to a breakfast on Maundy Thursday. In obedience, I started to speak with other believers at work. I often would make desk-side calls to fix computer problems and would notice scripture verses or Bibles on people’s desks. I wanted to bring those people together to let them know that they were not alone in their love for Jesus. 

I am not a man of great vision. My spiritual gifts lean toward organization and hospitality. Brady’s Restaurant was less than a mile from our office and was a Christian-friendly place. They gave me a few breakfast options for invitees to pre-order. Twenty-two people showed up that first day, April 3, 1995. No one knew what to expect, but many people had been praying for us. I opened with a greeting and mentioned that we were meeting in an intimate Upper Room like the disciples did before Jesus’ crucifixion during Holy Week. Continuing with my credentials, I explained that I was not qualified to be a pastor but am a sinner saved by the grace of Jesus Christ, in whom I fully trust for my salvation, and was ready to serve Him. I directed us to turn our eyes off ourselves and give praise, worship, glory and honor to Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

Next, Brenda Hibner (Alton) then gave a powerful prayer of Thanksgiving leading out with the song, “Amazing Grace”, after she finished praying. Never have I been so blessed with the a capella singing of that song. I read Hebrew 10:22 through 25, made a few comments and emphasized verse 25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” I continued with a prayer of confession and a blessing for the food. After the meal, Herb Watson initiated a time for people to share what the Lord was doing in their life, a special ministry they supported or their testimony. Pat Connolly (DiMemmo) began by eagerly sharing her recent salvation story; others spoke of their ministry in the church or of their need to recover from back sliding. The anointing was real. It seemed to me that heaven came down and that there were tongues of fire surrounding the room. Since that time, there have been many discouragements; but when we are obedient in spite of the circumstances, the Lord always shows up with a new surprise for us when we meet to glorify Him. 

Having such a successful event, we decided to meet again the next month, May 12, 1995. We met with a similar format with thirteen employees attending and two children. The text was on prayer form Luke 18: 1-20. Brenda lead “The Reconciliation Song”, and prayer requests from the audience were included in the prayer time as well as praises for answered prayers. 

April 4, 1996, was the last time we met on Maundy Thursday. Twenty-two employees met at Day’s Inn for a continental breakfast and for prayer and praise. Food and fellowship began at 6:30 a.m., with the program at 7:00 a.m. The text was from Mark 15:37-39, where the centurion says, “Really, this Man was God’s Son!” We spoke of the shedding of blood to purify and make holy. We all joined together, lead by Linda Collier, in singing the hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” The format had been altered, but the Spirit was the same, uplifting, life-giving and right. 

On May 1, 1997, we made the switch to meet for the National Day of Prayer instead of Maundy Thursday. Easter is a very busy time in the life of the church and with family gatherings. The National Day of Prayer seemed to be a better time for Christians in the workplace to gather to glorify the Lord and pray for the needs of the nation and government, especially since we are a government agency. Approximately twenty people met at Brady’s in a dining room on the first floor for a lunch, and we ordered form the menu. The hymns we sang were led by Cheryl Wilday without musical instrumentation. A copy of the program is attached. 

On May 7, 1998, we met for the Nation Day of Prayer at Brady’s Restaurant for a buffet luncheon in a large open banquet room. This year, Craig Bortner played guitar as our song leader and was supported by a praise team.

On May 6, 1999, we followed the same format from the prior year. We met for the National Day of Prayer at Brady’s Restaurant for a buffet luncheon in a large open banquet room. Again, Craig Bortner played guitar as our song leader and was supported by a praise team. What marked a difference was the lighting of a candle before each prayer topic. The topics were P-R-A-Y: P-praise, R-repentance, A-ask, and Y-yield. Prayers during the ASK topic were given by six employees from various departments from the Turnpike Commission.

We want to express a very big thank you to Bruce for sharing this touching account.

Stay tuned for more stories from the pioneers of this event!