Columbia International University had an important role in the 62^nd Annual South Carolina Prayer Breakfast in February.

The emcee was CIU President Dr. Bill Jones and the keynote speaker was CIU Board of Trustees member Tobin Cassels, chairman of Southeastern Freight Lines. State and local officials along with faith leaders joined in the event including South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.

The organizer of the event is the South Carolina Prayer Fellowship. Their purpose is “to promote the gift of prayer,” and “set aside … differences and focus on building meaningful relationships centered around the work and person of Jesus Christ.” 

In his keynote address, Cassels discussed deepening love for God and others by pointing the audience to Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:37-40:

And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

After Cassels’ address, Jones asked the audience a question that he also asked of himself, “Is the God living in me manifesting himself through me?”

CIU staff member Frank Bedell said afterward that it was heartwarming to see the political, business and faith communities come together.

“Politics were set aside for a brief time to pray for our nation, recognizing that God is central to everything that we do, transcending Republicans and Democrats,” Bedell said.  

Higher learning. Deeper faith. A Christ-centered community on campus and online. Apply now or request information on enrollment at CIU by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.