When Pastor Royal Johnson put out the call for a community-wide prayer in Rockdale in January, he didn’t know what to expect.
Johnson, who is the pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church, said he wanted to put the idea out there, which is why he came to the newspaper.
He told the Reporter at the beginning of the year, “Since Alcoa, the town has been in a coma. We just gotta wake up. We have all the right components, transportation, infrastructure, and, as soon as we get our red water fixed, we have the potential to be the next great boomtown like Bastrop. We’re just not there yet. We need God’s word and guidance.”
In February, he heard from only one person about the idea and seemed to be discouraged, however, in March and April, Johnson heard from more and more like minded individuals – the faithful, community leaders and people outside of Rock-dale who wanted to help.
Today, a community-wide prayer is set for 5:30 p.m., Friday, April 19 at Tiger Stadium.
“We’re going to fill the stadium with prayer,” Johnson said. “We have no goals for the number of people to attend. I’d rather have three people who are sincere in their faith than 4,000 who just want to show up.”
Johnson said the ever-evolving plan includes the community meeting on the field, grabbing hands and praying for the guidance, knowledge, industriousness and resources that will propel the city and county into the 21st Century of social and economic prosperity.
“This is a community initiative and not a Rising Star initiative. I just happen to be organizing it,” he said.
Johnson said, he is looking for a bull horn and people to help publicize and organize the event.
Anyone who would like to help can contact Johnson at 512-578-4483.
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