The Delaware State University Concert Choir -- led by Dr. Gregory McPherson, Director of Choral Activities -- performed three uplifting and melodious selections during the Prayer Breakfast. — *In this photo:* The Delaware State University Concert Choir – led by Dr. Gregory McPherson, Director of Choral Activities – performed three uplifting and melodious selections during the Prayer Breakfast.

On Campus

DSU Prayer Breakfast – article and photos

Friday, September 27, 2024

During the 14th annual DSU Prayer Breakfast on Sept. 27, its keynote speaker, the Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley, told the gathering the size of faith the University needs to have its vision fulfilled.

For images of the Prayer Breakfast, click on the below link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/48216028@N03/albums/72177720320644147

Rev. Arline-Bradley, the President and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women, based her message on the 17th chapter of the Book of Matthew, where Jesus healed a youth that his disciples previously had failed to deliver. Noting that it was the disciples’ unbelief that kept them from healing the boy, Jesus told that faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain. The keynote speaker Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley gave a stirring message on having great faith.

The keynote speaker said that was Jesus’ way of saying that faith was quantifiable.

“What can be done if faith is bigger than the size of a mustard seed? In what ways can your faith take you to another level, maybe not even a level you have seen before, but a level that God has prepared you for?” asked Rev. Arline-Bradley.

She said if the DSU community does not take its humble and intimate proximity to God for granted, the resultant faith will fortify its future. As she concluded her message, Rev. Arline-Bradley shared what she sees through her spiritual eyes.

“Del State, you are going to be solvent, you are going to be alright, you are going to have more resources, you are going to have more students, and your #1 ranking is coming,” the keynote speaker told the crowd that filled the MLK Jr. Student Center Parlors. “Your posture of humility will activate the Lord.” DSU's JaNyah Harris offered up a prayer for the University's students.

“The more things change, the more they stay the same,” was Rev. Arline-Bradley’s message theme. “He is still the Alpha and Omega. He still is the I am that I am. He still is the Lily of the Valley. He still is the Bright and Morning Star,” she said in conclusion.

After her message, DSU President Tony Allen and his wife Tara presented Rev. Arline-Bradley with a bouquet of flowers and other gifts. The keynote speaker then offered a special prayer for the DSU President and First Lady.

More than 400 people attended the Prayer Breakfast, which included U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, State Sen. Trey Paradee, Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen, and New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer.

The Prayer Breakfast featured musical selections by the DSU Concert Choir, led by Dr. Gregory McPherson, Director of Choral Activities, and DSU alumnus Donald Walk, Class of 2010, and a spoken word performance by Kim Graham, the Trauma Academy Director in the University’s Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. Donald Walker, DSU Class of 2010, sang a selection that got many attendees on their feet in the spirit of praise and worship.

Prayers were given during the event by Bishop W. James Thomas II, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Dover; JaNyah Harris, a DSU student and President of the student organization FORCE (Focusing On Renewing Christlike Existence); Rev. Maxine Johnson, Pastor of John Wesley AME Church of Dover; and the Rev. T. Lynn Oliver, Pastor of New Testament Gospel Worldwide Ministries. The Prayer Breakfast Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Terrell Holmes, Associate Vice President of DSU Downtown.