Holding on to Hope: Bethel Area Leaders Come Together for Annual Day of Prayer

DANBURY, CT — Over 500 community leaders, business owners, church and community members joined together in prayer Wednesday morning at the 13 Annual Jericho Partnership Prayer Breakfast at the Amber Room in Danbury.

The Jericho Partnership is a collaboration between more than two dozen local Christian ministries and congregations with the purpose of "serving the youth, homeless and other at-risk populations of Danbury, Conn.," according to their website. Their motto, "Mobilizing Ministry, Transforming a City," was made apparent in the heartfelt prayers of their leaders on Wednesday.

Peter Scalzo, an 11-year cancer survivor, Bethel attorney and Brookfield resident was the keynote speaker. He grew up in Danbury as the youngest of four children. The married father of six shared an inspirational message of holding on to hope even in the darkest of times.

Scalzo was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare type of bladder cancer in 2005 and endured 14 surgeries over the course of 11 years. He described being "devastated and in shock" when he learned of his illness. As if that was not hard enough to deal with, he lost his mother to ovarian cancer just a few months later at the age of 70.

Despite his hardships, he held on to hope and the loving support of his family and friends who surrounded him. But most of all— he held on to his faith.

"When I got on the operating table, it was in the shape of a cross," Scalzo said. "I knew then that God would begin a dual work in me— both physically and spiritually."

Scalzo is the co-founder of Walnut Hill Community Church's cancer support group, a bi-monthly faith-based community that helps those who have been diagnosed with cancer.

"Peter Scalzo's amazing testimony about trusting God through adversity had the audience absolutely riveted to every word - and left them moved, inspired and encouraged," the Jericho Partnership said in a a statement.

The annual breakfast brings together community leaders, businesses and churches to join together to pray for volunteers, politicians, business owners and churches in the area.

Mayor Mark Boughton said, "God is a bright and shining light of good will and grace— grace to go through our problems. Grace that comes from above."

James Kennedy, Founder and CEO of The Network Support Company gave the benediction and prayed for healthcare workers. Krista Adams-Santilli, a Soprano from Trumbull, sang "It is Well with My Soul," and gave the benediction.

Elmer Palmer, owner of Elmer's Diner prayed for businesses. Dr. Clive Calver, Senior Pastor of Walnut Hill Community Church, prayed for educators. Karil Connor, Director of Young Lives, prayed for local nonprofits and Rev. Joseph Shepley of St. Paul's Church in Brookfield prayed for the government.

"It's always such an encouraging time, as we lift up our city, our leaders, our churches, our ministries and each other," the Jericho partnership stated.

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Photos by Ted Hartlett, owner of Bridge Communications Group