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Havre church offers vigil

With war in Iraq imminent, local churches are offering a chance to support U.S. soldiers through prayer.

Kathleen Woeppel, who has children in the U.S. military, has organized a 12-hour prayer vigil at the Havre Assembly of God Church Thursday.

"This isn't really about our church. It's to help the situation and pray for our troops and give the community an opportunity to respond in a way that's appropriate," the Rev. Steve Flatau said. "We just had to make a decision quickly. We decided to host it, and if anyone wants to join, they're welcome."

The prayer vigil starts at 8 a.m., and runs through 8 p.m. Flatau said anyone who wishes to pray can come in and take advantage of the service for as long as they wish.

"There is no set service. It's just an open prayer time. You're free to come and go as you will. If you want to spend five minutes on your lunch hour or half an hour, it's up to you," he said.

Flatau added that the church would like to develop a list of people who are in the service so people can offer prayers for them. People can call 265-5803 to give the names of local service people.

Other churches have already offered services or are planning them. Van Orsdel United Methodist Church held a service last week, and is opening its sanctuary for anyone who wants to come in to pray.

The First Lutheran Church also opened its doors today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will be open Saturday with a prayer service scheduled at 5 p.m.

Flatau said members of any church, and people who don't belong to any congregation, are welcome to come to the Assembly of God and pray during Thursday's service.

"It's just a quiet place to take these needs to the Lord," he said.

 

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