Thursday, May 7 was the National Day of Prayer. Residents in Jasper County honored the event by holding their own morning of prayer at the City Hall in Bay Springs. Over 100 people were in attendance to fellowship and pray for the nation.

Bay Springs Mayor J.E. Smith welcomed the crowd, while Matt Gully led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Frank Harmon opened the assembly with prayer.

Scripture was read by Carol Scott and Becky Ulmer. Anna King voiced a prayer for the nation.

Shelby Traxler Overby, a vocalist from White Oak, sang two songs for the crowd: “When You Walk Through the Water” and “You Are God Alone.” A veteran of the Christian performance stage, Overby has won many awards and represented the state as Mrs. Mississippi.

The Rev. Keith Ulmer then voiced a prayer for the community.

Keynote speaker Dr. John Mayfield, a Taylorsville native, spoke with crowd about his decision to follow Jesus Christ. Dr. Mayfield owns Animal Medical Center in Hattiesburg and Petal.

The closing prayer was given by the Rev. George “Rusty” Stockman.