Hope on the Rock: 44th Ashland Community Prayer Breakfast Unites Community in Prayer, Purpose, and the Power of the Gospel

Hope on the Rock: 44th Ashland Community Prayer Breakfast Unites Community in Prayer, Purpose, and the Power of the Gospel

ASHLAND, OH – A spirit of unity, reverence, and conviction filled the Ashland University Convocation Center early Thursday morning as more than 600 civic, business, and faith leaders gathered for the 44th Annual Ashland Community Prayer Breakfast. Held in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer, the annual breakfast is a longstanding tradition aimed at reinforcing the ties between faith and public service. This year’s theme, inspired by Romans 15:13—“Pour out to the God of hope and be filled”—set the tone for a morning filled with worship, testimony, and powerful calls to action.

The event opened with a warm welcome and prayer by Pastor Dave McNeely, President of the Ashland County Ministerial Association (ACMA), followed by a presentation of the flag by VFW Post 1067, led by Commander David Henry. Pastor Rich Pate then led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and a stirring rendition of “God Bless America.”

Ashland County Commissioner President E. Jim Justice and City of Ashland Mayor Matt Miller offered proclamations recognizing the spiritual importance of the event and the historical significance of collective prayer in public life. Mayor Miller delivered a moving address, reminding attendees that the same God who answered prayers throughout Scripture still hears and responds today.

Quoting directly from the personal diary of President Ronald Reagan—written on the day he was shot in 1981—Miller stressed the connection between humility, forgiveness, and spiritual strength. “If we want to have the power of God in our lives and in our prayers,” he said, “we must live holy and pure lives, and treat others with the love of Christ.”

From Legacy to Leadership: A Local Connection

Gabrielle Bouquet, daughter of Rev. John Bouquet and a longtime attendee of the breakfast, introduced the keynote speaker with a personal and heartfelt reflection. Currently serving on the media relations team at Samaritan’s Purse, Gabrielle spoke about her gratitude for growing up in a community that deeply values prayer.

“In my role at Samaritan’s Purse,” she said, “I’ve had the gift of working closely with Edward Graham. The biggest takeaway? It’s always worth it to take a gospel opportunity—even when you’re tired or unsure.”

Her introduction blended humor and sincerity as she jokingly admitted that bringing Graham to Ashland came at the cost of “the next four years of her life”—a nod to her commitment to remain with Samaritan’s Purse.

Keynote Speaker: Edward Graham Brings Message of Conviction and Calling

Edward Graham, Chief Operating Officer of Samaritan’s Purse and grandson of the late Reverend Billy Graham, took the stage with humility, humor, and a powerful message rooted in both Scripture and personal experience.

“I may have Billy Graham’s height,” he joked, “but not his voice. I’ve got his nose and chin—and that’s about it.” From that light-hearted opening, Graham launched into a testimony that wove together his upbringing, his military service, and his deep conviction that the Word of God is the unshakable foundation of life.

Graham, who spent 16 years in the U.S. Army and completed eight combat deployments as part of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, shared a harrowing account of a 24-hour firefight in Afghanistan. Using the image of a mortar base plate—the small but essential element that must remain unmoved for rounds to land on target—Graham drew a powerful parallel to the necessity of spiritual stability.

“If that base plate had shifted even a fraction of a millimeter,” he said, “those rounds would’ve landed on my Rangers. The Word of God is our base plate. If it’s not settled—if we don’t accept every word of it as true—our whole foundation crumbles.”

His message resonated through the crowd: “You can’t pick and choose from the Bible. It’s either all true or none of it is.”

Faith on the Frontlines

Graham also shared a candid and humorous account of his personal faith journey, explaining that it wasn’t his well-known grandfather who led him to Christ, but rather his mother. After his older brothers bluntly told him he was “going to hell,” young Edward ran to his mom expecting her to correct them. Instead, she confirmed it: “They’re absolutely right.” He joked, “Mother of the year, right?” That blunt confrontation led to an honest and life-changing conversation with his mother, who explained salvation clearly and led him to Christ.

The former Army Ranger acknowledged the toll of combat, recalling the death of a Christian soldier under his command, Specialist Jason Fingard. “He was the first to die doing exactly what I told him to do,” Graham said, his voice heavy. “But I know I’ll see him again. He built his house on the rock.”

Graham encouraged those in attendance to see their daily vocations—whether in government, business, or education—not merely as careers, but as mission fields. “You’re not just selling insurance, you’re not just the mayor. You’re called to be evangelists.”

He closed with an invitation for anyone uncertain of their salvation to surrender to Christ. Heads bowed, he led the audience through a prayer of repentance and faith, urging them to be bold in living out their calling.

Honoring Local Leadership, Calling for Bold Faith

Throughout the morning, appreciation was extended to local leaders and public servants, with Graham offering specific thanks to Mayor Miller and others serving the Ashland community. He emphasized the importance of having Christians in public office and encouraged others to consider running for local positions such as school board or city council.

“This community is committed to prayer—and that’s evident,” Graham said. “You’re doing something right here. Keep going.”

He also praised the work of the local crisis pregnancy center and emphasized the sanctity of life as a cornerstone issue for Christians. “God knows the hairs on every head. He knows every child. Life matters,” he said.

Samaritan’s Purse: The Gospel in Action

As COO of Samaritan’s Purse, Graham briefly outlined the organization’s mission to provide emergency relief around the globe—but with a distinct purpose. “We are not just a charity,” he said. “We go to the one or two people stuck in the ditch who couldn’t make it to the stadium to hear the gospel.”

Samaritan’s Purse serves in war zones, disaster sites, and among the forgotten—always with the primary goal of proclaiming Jesus Christ.

In a world of shifting foundations and cultural confusion, this year’s prayer breakfast offered a much-needed reminder of eternal truths—and a resounding call to build lives, families, churches, and communities on the unmovable Word of God.