Seventh-day Adventists were among the hundreds who gathered for fellowship, breakfast and prayer at the annual Sydney Prayer Breakfast at Darling Harbour on Friday morning.
NSW Governor David Hurley, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and former police minister Andrew Scipione were among the 1200 attendees at the event, which was held at the new International Convention Centre. There were 20 attendees from Adventist institutions, representing the South Pacific Division (SPD), Greater Sydney Conference, Adventist Record, Adventist Development and Relief Agency, and Sydney Adventist Hospital.
“There are three aims for the breakfast,” said Sydney Prayer Breakfast chairman Neville Cox. “Firstly we seek to call on our heavenly Father for His mercy and blessing upon the people of Sydney and in particular upon those living and working in the city.
“Secondly, we endeavour to encourage believers in their trust and obedience of Jesus Christ. Thirdly, we strive to be a light to our fellow workers and neighbours in the city.”
Prayers were offered on behalf of the marginalised, business community, civic and church leaders, young people, the arts and the media. Attendees then spent 10 minutes praying with those at their tables.
Guest speaker Robyn Hobbs, NSW Small Business Commissioner and founder of Carols in the Domain, shared inspiring stories from her life journey and how she relies on God to guide her path. Her take home message: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.”
SPD Communication director Steve Currow spoke with enthusiasm about the event: “It’s inspirational to have 1200 people come here first thing in the morning and pray for the city.”
Dr Currow said it’s important the Church is represented at events such as these, which offer opportunities for networking and “to make an impact, be the salt, be the light”.
“We have got to have a Christian voice,” he said. “Events like these help to give us confidence to actually express our voice in a positive way.
“This may be the only place people meet an Adventist. From my point of view it’s critical that we are present and we encourage our church members to be involved.”
