Youth Freedom Rally prayer observances took place across the country on May 5, the eve of the National Day of Prayer. The South Florida Freedom rally was the largest gathering with 1,500 teens and families who assembled in the Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton, Fl, to pray for America.
The event themed “Let Freedom Ring” kicked-off the May 6th National Day of Prayer and was organized by a Youth Prayer Task Force of over 40 members. According to task force coordinator, 17-year-old Matthew Puchferran, “This first South Florida Freedom Rally brought unity, prayer and a sense of revival to our community.”
People who gathered prayed for “The Freedom Five”, the five most influential forces in the nation, which included government, media, education, churches and family.
“Prayer is very important because it is the way of communicating with God,” said Hannah Tarrien, 15, a member of the Freedom Rally Task Force. “He said, ‘For when two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ Tonight God will be here and through Him we will be able to make a difference.”
A local Christian band called Wilderness of Tekoa started performing at 6 p.m. followed by 30 min. of free giveaways led by local youth pastor Shawn Proctor. A large helium balloon floated overhead dropping coupons from local merchants.
Christian performing Arts Company, Many but ONE, performed two worship dances to Jesus is Still alright and On my knees. Christian recording artist, Philip Larue, and worship leader Owen Hurter provided anointed worship throughout the evening.
A group of teens would take the stage to pray for each of the freedom five topics while the crowd gathered around flags in the audience held by local youth pastors. The evening ended with teens assembled on stage in worship and prayer.
Everything relating to the event from its promotion, fundraising, to execution was done by the Youth Prayer Task Force.
It was a time to show that Christian teens do care about the nation.
“We need to stand up for what we believe in and try to make a difference in the world,” she said of the American people.
“It’s been a long day,” said Puchferran. He led the youth team that was able to raise $12,000 in only two months. However, at the end of the event, Puchferran returned the glory to God. “Everything that needed to be done had fallen into place by the grace of God.”
“It’s not about what I did, but what God’s going to do with our generation,” he said.
