Christian faith leaders will hold a “Prayer for the Nation” to be broadcast Sunday in response to the horrific terrorist attack in New Orleans in the early morning hours of New Year's Day.
The broadcast will take place Sunday at 6 p.m. and will feature Family Research Council President Tony Perkins and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry (R).
“America must pray!” Perkins said in a statement. “Our cities and nation need God's protective hand. Having worked in law enforcement and counterterrorism, I know how difficult it is to stand up to an ideology determined to kill and destroy. .”
“As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 127, which Benjamin Franklin quoted at the Constitutional Convention, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builder labors in vain; Unless we do so, the watch is in vain.’ Pray that our nation will turn to the Lord and that the Lord will protect our city and nation,” he added.
Other leaders participating in the prayer event include Pastor Carter Conlon of Times Square Church, Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, Michelle Bachmann of Regent University School of Government, and David David of Jefferson Baptist Church. They include Dr. Goza and Troy Miller of the National Religious Corporation. broadcaster, Pastor Art Reyes of Calvary Chapel Downey, and Evangelist Billy Graham's “Mike Clark'' Association,'' according to a press release detailing the event.
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Landry said in a statement that the attack was a “tragic reminder of the evil in this world that seeks to steal, kill and destroy.”
“We are grateful to the men and women in uniform who protect us. Please join us in praying for their safety and for stopping these heinous acts of terrorism. We encourage the victims of the attack and their families,” the governor added.
Suspect Shamsud Din Jabbar drove his truck through a crowd of New Year's Eve revelers, got out and opened fire, killing at least 14 people and injuring 20 more. Authorities said Jabbar had posted videos supporting ISIS before the attack. An ISIS flag was also displayed on the truck.
Christopher Reia, assistant director of the FBI's counterterrorism division, said Jabbar “initially intended to harm his family and friends, but when news headlines focused on the words 'war between believers and unbelievers,' He explained that he was concerned that there was no such thing. End quote. ”
