SPEAKER — The Rev. Jeffrey L. Stanford, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Steubenville, said Saturday at the Steubenville Martin Luther King Jr. He gave a passionate speech during his association’s annual Prayer Breakfast. –Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — Sharing food and fellowship, dozens prayed for the well-being of their communities, their youth, their nation and their political leaders as Dr. He followed Martin Luther King Jr.’s example.

These prayers are from Steubenville Martin Luther King Jr. It was performed during the Association’s annual Prayer Breakfast held Saturday morning at the Sycamore Youth Center. The event featured catering by Soulful Spoon and a keynote address by the Rev. Jeffrey L. Stanford, pastor of Second Baptist Church.

The Rev. Benjamin L. Calvert II, pastor of Mount Carmel Congregational Baptist Church, was in charge of the ceremonies. Calvert is a board member of the MLK association, which annually provides scholarships to Steubenville City School students through a King-themed essay contest.

“On this day, we want to celebrate and honor the life of (King) whose message, service, vision and faith are a reminder of the goodness of God and whose spirit is sorely needed in this day and age.” said Calvert.

Pastor DeWayne Sims of Calvary Community Missionary Baptist Church prayed the prayer, giving thanks for a new day and striving to do God’s will.

St. Weirton. Melanie Ware of St. Peters African Methodist Episcopal Church then presented a solo musical. “Give Me a Pure Heart.” He would then offer another option, “He touched me.”

Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center, welcomed attendees to the center, which offers after-school programs through a Christian foundation for more than 500 children.

Tiffany Beckwith, interim director of Urban Mission Ministries Inc., prayed for the community. In his prayer, he asked for God to be with all community organizations and their efforts, saying that without him they would be ineffective.

The Rev. Vaughn Foster, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Mingo Junction, prayed for the youth of the community, asking that they be protected, their needs met, and properly positioned in life.

Bishop Jermaine V. Moore Sr., pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, prayed for the nation and political leaders, asking that they be reminded of this truth. “They carry a profound responsibility to advocate for justice, to listen to the voices of the marginalized, and to seek the common good.”

The Rev. Maurice Lawson of Second Baptist Church introduced his pastor and friend, Stanford. According to his biography, Stanford is the former president of the Alliance for Congregational Transformation Impacting Our Neighborhoods and also the founder of Rites of Passage for Educational Programs, a mentoring program for young men.

In his Stanford speech, he told the biblical story of young David killing the giant Goliath with only a slingshot and a few rocks. He asked if anything happened in 2024. “stone of hope” To realize King’s dream of civil rights and equality for Black Americans. Using the biblical text, Stanford derived three lessons to help individuals strive for that dream when circumstances seem insurmountable.

Stanford’s first conclusion from the biblical story was this: “You must be willing to fight for those who are not willing to fight for themselves.” Just as David fought on behalf of Israel when no one could stand against the giant, Stanford said individuals must be willing to do the right thing despite a lack of support.

Later, Stanford, individuals “We must be ready and willing to face the giants.” Although most of them have never had to fight a 2 meter warrior “colossal” personal difficulties. Stanford added that the exceptional opposition from society that King encountered in his work is an example of how individuals must be willing to grapple with the issues in their own lives.

Finally Stanford asked: “Are you ready to take up some sword fighting?” In terms of equipment, Goliath beats David by a wide margin, Stanford said. Similarly, African Americans have always faced a problem. “constant fight” just because “The pigment of our skin.” Even so, Stanford said David trusted God and Black Americans should do the same and pursue all methods of political activism to fight for change.

Stanford stated that David’s real victory was not to win against Goliath, but to take first place despite adverse odds and added: “Every fight you have to at least go.”

“Dr. The king had a dream, but this is your dream. What will happen after today, what will happen after this election, what will happen in Steubenville, Ohio; “This is your dream,” he said. Stanford said this in conclusion.

The Rev. Jim Baber, pastor of Calvary Community Missionary Baptist Church and president of the MLK association, thanked everyone who came to the event and made it possible. He also asked individuals to support the association’s mission of providing scholarships.

“That was one of Dr. King’s ideals, that we should have skills and we should be educated.” Baber said: “We (scholarship recipients) ultimately want them to live better than we do.”

Saturday’s event is the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, which will take place on January 20. It was the beginning of the day’s anticipation.

The association has many events planned for the holiday; these include the MLK ecumenical ceremony at Mount Carmel Baptist Church on January 19 at 6 p.m., the Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony at 9 a.m. on January 20. The Recreation Center features MLK reflections and MLK. youth and children’s program on January 20 at 10 a.m. at the Sycamore Youth Center.

The Steubenville High School Pathfinder Awards Ceremony will take place on February 14 at 11:00 am. The articles program is chaired by Crystal Wicker.

Society member Cyndie Howard applied for membership in the society to help prepare for their program.