ASHLAND — This past weekend Bible believers were in hot pursuit of GOD’s presence with clergy, ministry leaders, and elected officials leading a corporate call to prayer and repentance.

In the midst of a pandemic and national social unrest, a collaboration of twenty-five churches associated with the local Ashland County Ministerial Association (ACMA) braved August heat asking forgiveness from GOD during a sacred assembly. Consequently, one clergyman believes the community is getting a glimpse of the Almighty’s storehouse of blessings.

“There is a sense that GOD is doing many great things,” says Pastor David McNeely of New Life Community Church. “GOD is re-writing the history of Ashland. I believe with all my heart there will be a great harvest by what has been prayed for here tonight. We are beginning to see the activity and orchestration of GOD.”

State Rep. Darrell Kick, one of the assembly speakers, shared about a group of state lawmakers who hold Bible study before casting their vote at the Statehouse. He also admitted the district he represents has a unique reputation among the circle of legislators.

“There is the perception Ashland is a GOD-fearing county. As an elected official, I have noticed over the past couple of years there has been spiritual renewal in this area. After what I saw today, I am not aware of another district where the Mayor commits the city to Jesus Christ and a County Commissioner asks forgiveness for the sins of the county.”

During the assembly, Mayor Matt Miller stated he believed GOD’s mercy has shielded the community from COVID-19. Ashland County has posted minimal cases in the course of the pandemic.

“The heart of this city (Ashland) is seeking GOD …. I believe with all my heart that is why GOD has protected and blessed the City of Ashland during one of the most tumultuous times in my lifetime and the city’s history,” the Mayor said. . . .

Dr. Carlos Campos, President of Ashland University and Theological Seminary asked the crowd to pray for college campuses. “Join me to repent where universities across this country have failed to follow their mission to pursue truth to its final end which can lead to only one thing: the embodiment of truth, and that is Jesus Christ.”

Joel Penton, the Executive Director of Lifewise Academy prayed for the public schools during the gathering. Penton is partnering with ACMA to bring Bible education to all five public schools districts in Ashland County.

“For over two generations the Bible has been removed from the nation’s education system and now the country is reaping the harvest,” Penton said. “However, an Ohio law passed in 2014 allows high school students to receive school credits for Bible classes. In fact, Van Wert, Ohio has ninety-five percent of their elementary public school students taught from the Bible every week. It is tranforming the next generation.”

Amanda Nichols, Executive Director of Project One shared a vivd testimony of the tranformational power of prayer delivering her husband from drug addiction. “It is only by the grace of GOD and His Word that my husband has been clean for eleven years.”

“GOD is doing a new thing that will affect the generations yet to come,” says Pastor McNeely. “GOD is making a way in the wilderness where there seems to be no way. He is raising up a faithful remnant in our community.”