Prayer group has it together

Harold Keller

I received a phone call a few weeks ago from Mrs. Lola Mahler of Vacherie. She asked if my wife and I would be willing to attend a ladies prayer group on Oct. 4. I immediately accepted, as she shared the occasion would be the sixth anniversary of the group called the St. Francis Prayer Group.

As we ended our conversation, she said, “Don’t eat before coming, because we will prepare a meal for you.”

When Jeanne and I arrived at Lola’s home, we were led to the living room where the ladies of the prayer group were seated. Lola’s three children: Brandi, 16, Cindi, 9, and Mathew, 12, were also present.

I’ve never felt the Spirit of God more than I did that evening. The ladies told me how the group got started and that they meet on Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

In additiion to Lola, the group includes Susie Becnel, Julie Borne, Debbie Brougeois, Corrine Breaud, Faye Chenier, Margaret Cortez, Annie Falgoust, Charlene Gravois and Gert Kliebert. They pray for people in need and reach out to others less fortunate.

I thought I would share about the joy of the Lord being our strength, but believe me, that wasn’t needed in this group! We talked about family and they shared that they were all married and had children.

Lola shared that four years ago, her husband, Boyd, at age 38, was killed in an industrial accident. I extended my sympathy, but none was needed. With a big smile, she said, “God gave me the perfect husband for 19 years and left me these beautiful children.”

My wife and I have never felt so much love, compassion, joy, excitement and willingness to serve as in this group.

And they did feed us! What a spread! Chicken and andouille gumbo, potato salad, delicious buns, millionaire pie, apple pie, ice cream and coffee.

As we prepared to leave, they presented us with a beautiful cross with the saying: “God Bless Our Home” and a “to-go” package of homemade pecan pralines.

We left at 9:30 p.m. On the way home, Jeanne said, “Harold, that’s what Christianity is all about” I agreed, and added that many groups think they really have it together. The St. Francis Prayer Group has it together, but I don’t know if they realize it. Without a doubt, they are doing exactly what God expects of His people.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational organization. Call 652-8477 or write to P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084.