MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Depot personnel became part of a nationwide campaign, headed by President George W. Bush, by celebrating the 52nd Annual National Prayer Breakfast at Traditions Feb. 12.
The Depot Religious Ministries Center coordinated the event, which featured guest speaker Maj. Gen. Thomas S. Jones, commanding general, Training and Education Command, and a full breakfast buffet for attendees.
The Parris Island Marine Band’s Brass Quintet provided music before and after the program. Passages were read and heads were bowed in prayer before the introduction of Maj. Gen. Jones, who made the trip to Parris Island specifically to attend the breakfast and pass on some of his own testimony.
“I love Parris Island, and this [prayer breakfast] is my main focus today,” he said. “I’ve been so blessed as a Marine that I just want to take this opportunity to share with everyone.”
In his speech, Maj. Gen. Jones wanted to emphasize the importance of keeping an overall balance in all areas of life.
“I call it MEPS, which stands for mental, emotional, physical and spiritual,” he said. “In my state of life right now, the most significant thing I can share is that the spiritual is your base.”
Although he has accomplished many things throughout his career, including being awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a Combat “V,” Maj. Gen. Jones believes his success to be trivial in the grand scheme of life.
“As Marines, we tend to be very achievement-oriented,” said Maj. Gen. Jones. “None of these achievements mean anything unless you’ve shared your blessings with others.”
Major Gen. Jones’ words seemed to have a positive effect on those in attendance, lending to the program’s success.
“I thought it went very well,” said Cmdr. Christopher Bennett, Deputy Director, RMC. “We had a good turnout, and everyone seemed to respond well to the program and to Maj. Gen. Jones in particular.”
Bennett, like many other Depot personnel who attended the event, felt it was important to take this time to be thankful and build upon their spiritual relationship.
“I think it’s important, first of all, because it provides a mental and spiritual link to others throughout the country,” he said. “Secondly, it helps us lift our sights above our everyday concerns and see the bigger picture.”
This nationwide link seems to have become more emphasized since Sept. 11, especially among the American military family. President Bush was the first to recognize the benefits of prayer as a nation in his remarks at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., Feb. 5.
“In prayer, we ask for wisdom and guidance, and the answers seldom come in blinding revelations,” he said. “Yet, prayer can bring good things: grace for the moment and faith in the future. Americans are a prayerful people, and this past year, we’ve offered many prayers. ”
The breakfast provided the opportunity for everyone to offer prayers together, as Marines, as sailors, as civilian employees, but mostly, as Americans.
“Life is a team event,” said Maj. Gen. Jones. “We should be about making the world a better place. Each day, you need to make the effort to teach, learn and make them smile –
TLS.”