By Larry P. Stover

There is so much going on in Valley Grande today and during the week to come.  Praise Park Ministries Church of the Nazarene is hosting the athletes and their families from Dallas County High School for their “3rd Annual DCHS Athletes Day Celebration.”  Activities begin at 9:30 AM today.

Our “Out of This World” breakfast buffet will be served until 10:30 AM.  It will include eggs, grits, sausage, bacon, sausage gravy, toast, biscuits, a wide variety of sweet delights, several kinds of juices, and a surprise or two.

At 10:30 AM we will all gather together to celebrate the 2013-2014 athletic season. A highlight of the morning will be introducing the many athletes in attendance allowing them to mention the various athletic endeavors they pursue. I am looking forward to introducing the State 4a Basketball Champions.

Our special guest speaker is Coach Jerod Haase, head basketball coach from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dallas County star William Lee will play basketball for the Blazers next year.

This next week is full of Easter week activities throughout the community.

My wife, Janet, and I along with several members of our church Children’s Department will be heading up the Easter Egg hunt at Valley Grande Elementary School, grades k through 2, on Friday.  It is always a highlight of the year for the children.

Churches throughout Valley Grande will be joining together for community church activities as well. Valley Grande Baptist church is having a “Good Friday” service at 6:00 PM.  They are also hosting the community for our annual Easter Sunrise service next Sunday at 6:00 AM at their church.  I will be speaking at that service.  The community is cordially invited to attend.

Finally, I want to ask our community to join together to pray for Living Waters Assembly of God congregation.

They are going through a tough time.  They are a fantastic group of people. Praise Park Nazarene, Valley Grande Baptist, and Living Waters Assembly of God have been working together for many years.

We have worshipped together, had fellowship with each other, and worked together on many community projects.  They are a wonderful part of Valley Grande.  I want to encourage Christians throughout Dallas County to hold them up in prayer.

All churches go through difficult times from time to time. This is one of those times that the people of God need to join together in prayer.

I love being a part of the Valley Grande community. It is an awesome place to live and raise a family. We also have a very strong Christian presence here as well.  When we pray together, it makes life “Simply Beautiful!”