National Prayer Luncheon to emphasize message of hope

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Air Force Global Strike Command's top chaplain is scheduled to speak at the base's National Prayer Luncheon, Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. at the Jimmy Doolittle Center.

Attendees will have the opportunity to dine from a Mediterranean buffet, enjoy a live music presentation, listen to inspirational scripture readings, pray, and take part in an afternoon of companionship with fellow team members.

The keynote speaker for the event Col. Gerald McManus, command chaplain, is expected to address the crowd with words about the events theme: Hope.

Capt. Eddie Rubero, 5th Bomb Wing chaplain, explained the event gives Airmen a chance to spend time, in the midst of all their hard work, with members of the Team Minot community.

"During this luncheon we will remember how we've made it through the adversities of the flood this past year," said Rubero. "We want to emphasize how dealing with this situation has made our community stronger."

The chaplain stressed that both overcoming adversities after the flood and the success of the latest inspections here has made the community better. At the luncheon everyone can have a chance to relate to one another as they have all faced the challenges together, he said.

The event is also an opportunity for community members to show a little gratitude to God or to anyone who provided support through tough times they may have experienced this past year, Rubero said.

"Many of our neighbors or even ourselves here have gone from discouragement and hopelessness to knowing we can get through things," said Rubero. "We can think about lessons learned and look forward to the future with great expectations."

Rubero praised the keynote speaker, Chaplain McManus, for scheduling time to come out and support the event and for demonstrating, through his actions, that he is all about supporting Team Minot.

In conjunction with the Air Force Chaplains Corps, McManus was instrumental in securing donations of more than $123,000 to be used for flood recovery efforts this past year. He emphasized all the while, that the help offered went beyond just helping Airmen because if the Air Force takes care of them and supports them, ultimately, it helps them fulfill the overall mission at hand.

"Chaplain McManus is a man who truly holds Minot dear in his heart," said Rubero. "When a man with that type of heart and passion for our community comes to us, we should take some time to hear what he has to say."

Special event pricing, courtesy of the Minot Air Force Base Chapel, will be $5 per person. Those interested in attending the National Prayer Luncheon can R.S.V.P at https://einvitations.afit.edu/PrayerLunch/anim.cfm.