Three dozen people— many meeting for the first time — blurred the racial and denominational lines Tuesday to pray for unity in Lincoln County

Mission Mississippi’s Lincoln County chapter sponsored the focused prayer time, which was held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Ministry Center.The individuals in the prayer circle changed throughout the three-hour event as people came, prayed and left, but the messages of hope they brought to God remained the same: We are one.

The mission of the state-wide organization is to encourage and demonstrate unity in the body of Christ across racial and denominational lines so that communities throughout Mississippi can see practical evidence of the Gospel message. Prayers Tuesday were offered specifically for unity, children and youth and law enforcement officers.

Pastors were available in the half-hour prayer sessions to guide the group. They were Anne Matthews, Eula Thadison, Rich Balkcom, A.C. Herring, Glenn Martin and Bobby Melvin.

Rev. Allen Herring, of Brookhaven, pastors Holy Trinity Church. He said he was encouraged to see black and white brothers and sisters in Christ come together to pray.

He believes Brookhaven and Lincoln County are getting closer to racial unity.

“We ain’t there yet, but I think we’re going in that direction,” he said after his prayer time. “How long it will take to get there, only God knows.”

He said he’s encouraged by the city’s nickname, Homeseekers Paradise.

“God set Brookhaven up so people could find a paradise and find unity,” he said.

The Lincoln County Chapter of Mission Mississippi meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at various locations. The next meeting is Oct. 25 at 5:15 p.m. in the fellowship hall of  St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 949 East Monticello St. Enter from the parking lot on the east side.

Chapter leader Charles Williams also organizes a breakfast at Chism’s Diner at 7:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month for local ministers.

For more information about the Lincoln County chapter and its events, call Betty Harrington at 601-833-6042.