Day of Prayer to be observed in Carson

Several ministers and state, federal and local dignitaries and musicians will celebrate National Day of Prayer at noon today at the Capitol.

Organized by the Rev. Ken Haskins of First Christian Church in Carson City, the day is offered to give all communities across the nation the opportunity to pray for their local, state and federal governments, in addition to the people who make up their community.

"There are a number of things we will be praying for," said Haskins.

"There is a lot of distrust of the government and cynicism by the people of the United States. We're pretty quick to find fault in our elected officials and leaders. We need to pray for them because the decisions they make affect too many lives to let go, as well as teen violence and what has happened across our school's campuses."

Guest speakers include Yolanda Garcia from U.S. Sen. Harry Reid's office; Tom Baker from U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan's; Secretary of State Dean Heller; Mayor Ray Masayko; congressional candidate John Ensign; Nevada Assistant Attorney General Anne Cathcart; Sen. Maurice Washington, and representatives from Jim Gibbons and Gov. Kenny Guinn's offices.

Clergy to speak and pray during the event are Marvin Dennis of Good Shepherd Wesleyan Church, Leo Kruger of Valley Christian Fellowship, Lt. John Van Cleef of The Salvation Army and Haskins.

"People have seen a lot of scandals and investigations over the past few years," said Haskins. "We need to focus on the good things and what God has laid down in the Bible - freedom and religious expression.

"This is the greatest country in the world because of our freedoms. We need to keep our spirit and freedom and pray for everyone.

"When it comes to keeping America a great country, we as people need to be involved, care, pray for our country and follow God's guidance. To gather Thursday and pray for our leaders and their decisions is a guaranteed right. It's a good thing to do."