News Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March, 2006

                 

CONTACT: 

Pam Hurley, Kellogg Foundation

269.969.2142

 

Lisa Brown, Co-Chair

(h) 269.968.2020 (cell) 269.275.6453

                                                                             

9/11 Survivor and Wife Featured Speakers for

25^th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast

Battle Creek, Mich. – Retired Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell and his wife Mel are this year’s featured speakers for the 25^th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast on May 9, 2006. Birdwell was in the Pentagon at the time of the September 11, 2001 attacks and was badly burned. The Birdwell’s devotion to God and each other helped them come through the traumatic event with their faith intact. The theme of this year’s Prayer Breakfast is “God’s Abundant Grace.”

 

The 25^th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast will be held Tuesday, May 9, 2006 from 7:25 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. Breakfast tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased by calling (269) 969-2120.

 

“I am thrilled the Birdwells are visiting Battle Creek,” said Lisa Brown, who, along with her husband Dr. David Brown, co-chairs this year’s event. “This summer we had an opportunity to read their book, Refined By Fire.  Their story is amazing!  We were truly inspired and believe the Birdwells have a great deal to offer our community.”

 

Lt. Col. Birdwell was thrown to the ground and engulfed in flames when hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 collided into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Of the burns that consumed 60 percent of his body, nearly half were third degree. While Brian was fighting for his life and undergoing more than 30 surgeries, Mel was fighting to maintain the couple’s faith and their family. Together, they and their son remained solid in their spiritual convictions and integrity through the incredibly difficult ordeal.

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Since its beginning in 1982 by Dr. Russell Mawby and Dr. Paul Gieser, the Community Prayer Breakfast has encouraged all participants to speak and pray in a way that is true to their personal beliefs. It is asked that those attending use this opportunity to listen to individuals whose beliefs might be different from their own to gain understanding and an appreciation of the participant’s faith.

 

Every year, the Prayer Breakfast is organized by volunteers who are dedicated to bringing the community together in a shared demonstration of faith. It provides an opportunity for the community to draw closer to God and to each other. Approximately 1,200 people attend the Prayer Breakfast every year, including more than 300 youth.

 

While the ticket cost has remained at $10 per person for the entire 25 years of the Prayer Breakfast, the actual cost per person has nearly doubled. Those wishing to make a tax-deductible contribution to help underwrite the event costs and provide an opportunity for area high school students to attend at no cost may send a check payable to BCCF/Community Prayer Breakfast to: The Community Prayer Breakfast, PO Box 4363, Battle Creek, MI 49016-4363. Those who donate $200 or more will receive two tickets to a reception in honor of the Birdwells at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation the evening prior to the breakfast.

 

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