Drive-in prayer gathering in Natchitoches lifts up medical personnel

By Message Staff

NATCHITOCHES, La. (LBM) – In a show of Christian love and support more than 200 cars gathered in a parking lot across from Natchitoches Medical Center for an impromptu prayer vigil Sunday, March 29.

The evening included music and a time for families to pray together in their vehicles, where they remained throughout the event, which took place at 8 p.m. A similar event is planned for Thursday, April 2, 6:45 p.m. outside Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and Rapides Medical Center in Alexandria.

Mike McGrath, minister to students and families at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches, led the opening prayer, which was prerecorded and played by organizers to honor the practice of social distancing. He was honored to rally around the local hospital and show them love and appreciation.

“It was a special time for the hospital to see the community supports them, appreciates them, acknowledges that what they do matters significantly,” he said. “We as a community wanted to let them know we will continually lift them up in prayer during this unique and uncertain time.”

Jason Womack, pastor of Goldonna Baptist Church, enjoyed the evening of prayer with his family and other Christ followers.

“My wife and I have close friends who are nurses at the hospital so we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to come and pray for them,” he said. “Once we arrived, the imminent presence of God was so powerful it was overwhelming. I truly believe God is using all of this to bring revival.”