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28th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast

News Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2009                

CONTACT:        

Tish Seng

269-969-2078

                                                                             

Michael Franzese Will Speak at Prayer Breakfast

 An Unexpected Journey to Faith

 

Battle Creek, Mich.  Р  Michael Franzese, anti-crime crusader and author of the book, ÒBlood Covenant,Ó will deliver the keynote speech at this yearÕs Community Prayer Breakfast. He will chronicle his life, from a rise to power in the Mob, through a dramatic turn-around, to his current pursuit, steering others away from crime.

 

The 28th annual Prayer Breakfast, ÒAn Unexpected Journey to Faith,Ó will be held from 7:25 to 9 a.m., May 12, at the Kellogg Arena. Tickets are $10 per person, and may be purchased by calling 269-969-2120.

 

ÒIf ever there was a time that prayer is needed, that time is now,Ó said Leon Clark, co-chair of the event with his wife, Celeste.

 

The Community Prayer Breakfast is organized by volunteers such as the Clarks, who are dedicated to gathering the community in a shared demonstration of faith.   ÒThis prayer service has become a wonderful tradition,Ó Celeste Clark said. ÒIt brings our community together on one accord, the belief that miraculous things can and do happen through the power of prayer.Ó

 

For the past five years, the event has drawn an average of 1,219 participants annually, including more than 300 youth, who attend free, thanks to the generosity of community donors.

 

This yearÕs Breakfast speaker, referred to as Òthe Born-Again Don,Ó promises to inspire and motivate the crowd. Franzese uses the experiences of his former life to caution at-risk youth, professional and student athletes, and corporate executives, and to encourage anyone who wants to beat the odds and make positive changes in their lives. He launched the Breaking Out Foundation for that purpose. (www.michaelfranzese.com)

 

In his speeches, Michael Franzese candidly describes how he survived dozens of grand jury appearances, three major racketeering indictments, five criminal trials, seven years in prison and a Mafia death sentence. Audiences are captivated by his open and honest revelations, and genuinely affected by his message: you canÕt escape the long arm of the law and you sure canÕt escape the longer arm of the Lord.

 

The transformation of Michael Franzese has been featured in numerous mainstream and Christian media, including Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Today Show, The Eleventh Hour, The 700 Club, and Billy GrahamÕs Decision Today Radio.

 

In addition to its dynamic keynote speaker, the breakfast will feature guest musicians, readings from the Bible, and a ÒThis I BelieveÓ speech, given by a community member. 

 

Since its beginning in 1982 by Dr. Paul Gieser and Dr.Russell Mawby -who continues to serve on the planning committee- the Community Prayer Breakfast has encouraged all participants to speak and pray in a way that is true to their personal beliefs.  Those attending are asked to use the Breakfast as an opportunity to listen to individuals whose beliefs may be different from their own, to gain understanding of the faith of others and to deepen their own.

 

While the ticket price has remained $10, the actual per-person cost has nearly doubled since the Breakfast began.  Those wishing to make a tax-deductible contribution to help underwrite the event and pay 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 for Michael Franzese at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation the evening prior to the breakfast.

 

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