May 28, 2009 – On Thursday, May 28, 2009, Canadians from coast to coast to coast joined parliamentarians, diplomats, and ambassadors in the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the 44th Annual National Prayer Breakfast. David Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Natural Resources and for the Canadian Wheat Board, chaired the 7:30 AM event. Over 850 people of different faiths and walks of life, from Canada and the international community, came together to celebrate faith and hope in uncertain times.

“This year’s Prayer Breakfast has exceeded our expectations once again. While we were in a smaller venue than other years, the record attendance and enthusiasm was infectious,” David Anderson commented. “It has been a real privilege to chair, for the last three years, a national event that puts aside political differences and can truly gather people of all faiths and affiliations to meet in the spirit of Jesus Christ.”

Paul Brandt, well-known Canadian country singer, led the event with his music. He also participated as a speaker at the National Leadership Dinner, held May 27th, and the National Prayer Breakfast Seminar, held immediately after the Prayer Breakfast.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Ravi Zacharias, spoke passionately about the importance of hope and faith in uncertain times. His speech was described as “overwhelming” by Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon – Rosetown – Biggar, who continued by saying, “His challenge to us as Parliamentarians was very moving.” Dr. Zacharias’ speech highlighted the ability of Canadians to embrace people who may be of a different persuasion because of our common bonds.

Former Chair of the National Prayer Breakfast, Liberal Karen Redman described the record attendance as a testament to the appeal of the annual event. She also commented, “Dr. Zacharias’ message was a stunning example of how someone’s personal faith can shape history.”
 
The event provided the opportunity for cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, and diplomats to interact freely with Canadians from all walks of life. The atmosphere was described as electric and many people commented on the positive environment that was created for people of all faiths to put aside religious and partisan differences to pray together. United States Congressman Spencer Bacchus also lauded the event’s ability to bring together nations. He explained, “We are on a precipice, a period of great uncertainty, yet both our nations can find shelter in faith for a better tomorrow.”

“This was an exciting opportunity for Canadians to come together in uncertain times to celebrate the hope and faith that will lead us to a brighter future. The attendance and passion demonstrated was overwhelming”, David Anderson observed regarding the record attendance. “We look forward to next year’s event.”