As the Tar River rose, Greenville, N.C., mayor Thomas Allen called for prayer. Hundreds of citizens gathered with him near the Greene St. bridge, which was closed to traffic because of high water.
“The waters may rise, but we rise higher,” he said. “We are stronger than that. Our faith is stronger than that. Our community is stronger than that.
“We are going to pray away these floodwaters,” Mayor Allen said. Together they bowed their heads and fervently prayed, “Our Father, who art in Heaven….”
Emotions were high as they sang Amazing Grace:
“Through many dangers, toils and snares…”
Lifting hands and voices, they ended the hymn in a full verse of only two words: Praise God!
Photo©2016 World Vision, Laura Reinhardt
