Early on Wednesday mornings people of all denominations and walks of life come together at First Presbyterian Church of Bogalusa for breakfast, Bible study, prayer and friendship.

According to Mary Boulware, in the ’60s the Wednesday night crowd began to dwindle, and a men’s prayer breakfast was birthed.

In the beginning the prayer breakfast was solely made up of men from the Presbyterian Church. But over the years women and people from other denominations trickled in. Today the group is diverse and well attended.

The men still cook and folks start arriving to visit and read the paper as early as 6 a.m. The smell of sausage, coffee and biscuits and sound of friendly greetings welcome all who enter. Some weeks as many as 40 people gather to share in a good time and hear a good word brought faithfully by the Rev. Jim Stayton.

Laughter and clanking of pots can be heard from the ladies in the kitchen at the close of the time of fellowship and sharing. Week after week for over 40 years people who love the Lord and each other have come together to share life.

After a time of visiting and enjoying breakfast Stayton welcomes all and takes prayer requests from the group. A period of reflection on a Bible passage follows. Stayton’s presentation is uplifting, interesting and full of takeaway value.

On one such Wednesday morning, through the story of Joseph and his rise from captivity to a position of authority and power, Stayton shared truths relevant for modern times.

Stayton said, “God’s place for us is not a geographic place. It is a different way of living. Where is home for us? When you go where God wants you to go and do what God wants you to do, that’s home.”

The attendees from different socio economic groups, religious persuasions and ages could all be encouraged by the confirmation that God’s love for them and His place for them in this world is never bound by outside circumstances. Joseph’s life attests to the fact that God can and will make a way for those who put their trust in Him.

First Presbyterian is located at 511 Avenue D. The Wednesday prayer breakfast officially begins at 6:50 a.m. and ends around 8 a.m. Donations are welcome.