Boyajian Addresses "High Tech, Low Spirituality" Society at Prayer Breakfast

(DR. RUBEN BOYAJIAN)

Speaking from experience, Dr. Ruben Boyajian addressed what he termed America's "high tech, low spirituality" society as the guest speaker at Effingham County's National Day of Prayer observance.

The noted local surgeon shared about his roots in Uruguay, in a family where prayer and Bible reading were regular parts of life. He also spoke about his medical schooling in the United States and his decision to become a citizen here. 

The doctor also shared that as his professional life flourished, his personal life deteriorated. Prayer and Bible reading ceased and as he put it, "divorce inevitably followed." Boyajian said things changed when he met and married his wife Emily and their son Jacob was born, named for Ruben's dad who also moved here and became a US citizen at age 95, a couple of years before his death.

(SOME OF THOSE GATHERED FOR WEDNESDAY'S NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER BREAKFAST)

Boyajian focused on a number of Scriptures and encouraged those present to "silence the world to focus on, and hear from, God." He also talked about the passage where Jesus visited a community and could do no mighty miracles there because of the unbelief of those who lived there, asking, "are we driving Jesus away?" He shared Proverbs 14:34, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people." Another key remark addressed the relationship God desires with people, saying "God understands our needs, He is not manipulated by our desires."

The local Day of Prayer Breakfast is sponsored by the men's ministry group, Pinnacle Forum. Tickets for the breakfast were free, but those attending had the opportunity to contribute to Effingham Child Development Center. The Center's director, Shelli French, shared their goal of broadening their work to help children with special needs. French said they also hope to create better drained play areas outside the Center and more shade.

(SHELLI FRENCH)

A group of musicians representing a number of local churches led those gathered in worship.

Approximately 300 people attended the breakfast at the Thelma Keller Convention Center.