Celebration of religious freedom features act of humility

By Tracy Farnham | The News Herald

Published: July 2, 2009

VALDESE - Just one day after the nation celebrates its freedoms, more than 25,000 congregations and individuals will exercise one of those freedoms during Sunday worship services.
Family Research Council in Washington is promoting CALL2FALL. The guiding scripture, 2 Chronicles 7:14, calls Christians to humble themselves in an act of submission by falling on their knees before a Holy God.
Jon Calloway, music and media pastor at East Valdese Baptist Church, said this particular verse couldn't be more self-explanatory.
"It is one of the hardest things for us, because we realize we are not in control and we need to rely on God, seek Him and follow His ways and precepts and He will heal our land," he said.
As to why participants need to bow, Calloway said, "It is a sign of surrender. We humbly bring ourselves showing respect for His name and coming before the God of the universe."
An online list of participating churches shows none in Burke County, but Winkler's Grove in Hickory has joined the campaign. Other churches can simply call their congregations to a time of repentant prayer, on their knees, in which they ask God to renew the nation this Sunday.
For more information, visit www.CALL2FALL.com.