Pillar College to Host 8th Annual National Day of Prayer

Newark, N.J.— May 6, 2019— Pillar College, a comprehensive institution of higher learning providing a Christ-centered education with campuses in Newark, Somerset, Paterson and Plainfield, has traditionally hosted a large National Day of Prayer event for the past 7 years. Due to social distancing requirements, the school has had to replace its live, in-person event with a virtual Day of Prayer, but even with the new format, attendance is up, already exceeding last year’s numbers by forty percent. This year’s National Day of Prayer features an impressive roster of speakers and takes place on Thursday, May 7th from 9 AM- 10 AM. Participants can join via Zoom or Facebook LIVE at https://pillar.edu/national-day-of-prayer

Regarding the increased number of attendees, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Vice President of Strategic Alliances for Pillar College and the event chairperson, had this to say, “When people are faced with an existential crisis, you see them returning to faith to make sense out of things. They are often searching for deeper meaning behind these events. While we have no concrete evidence to support that this is the reason for our increased numbers, anecdotally we believe it to be so.” Dyer is also part of a pastoral group spearheaded by Pillar College, of fifteen New Jersey religious leaders that have been meeting weekly since the virus’ outbreak. Many of them are also witnessing an increased interest in religious connections.

The theme for Pillar College’s National Day of Prayer is from the book of Habakkuk, Chapter 2, Verse 14: The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. Distinguished speakers include Pillar College President, Dr. David Schroeder, Joyce Waterman, City Council President in Jersey City, and a Pillar alumna. The keynote address will be delivered by Pastor Nithin Thompson, Senior Teaching Pastor at Liquid Church, one of the fastest growing churches in New Jersey. Several speakers will be addressing the COVID-19 crisis directly with words that support those who have encountered illness, loss, unemployment, financial hardship and more.

Additional speakers include:

• Rev. Tim Osborne, Head of Staff at Dunellen Presbyterian Church
• Mrs. Keyla Pavia, Chief of Staff at Pillar College
• Raphael and Aly Giglio, Recording Artist Pastor and Worship Leader
• David Bryant, author, adjunct Pillar College professor, former president Concerts of Prayer and America’s National Prayer Committee
• Dr. Laurie W. Newell, Superintendent Essex Regional Educational Services Commission
• Dr. Thomas Keinath, Pastor and author of Conquest and Glory, Pillar College adjunct
• Dr. Wayne R. Dyer, Vice President Strategic Alliances, Pillar College
• Rev. Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor Calvary Chapel in Old Bridge
• George McGovern, Athletes in Action
• Toby Carson, Minister and Singer
• Adrian Council, Publisher, The Positive Community

According to the Pew Research Center (3/20/20), large majorities of Americans who pray daily (86%) and of U.S. Christians (73%) have taken to prayer during the outbreak, but so have some who say they seldom or never pray and people who say they don’t belong to any religion (15% and 24% respectively). Further bolstering this trend is data from a recent Gallop Poll that reflects almost one in five Americans report that their faith or spirituality has improved as a result of the virus situation. Frank Newport, author of “Religion and the COVID-19 Virus in the U.S.,” suggests all of this could point to a “religious renaissance.”

“Our nation and the entire world always need our prayers,” says Dr. Schroeder. “The pandemic is bringing people together spiritually, though separate physically. Pillar College is happy to bring people together during this most difficult of times when many are searching for compassion and community. As we emerge from isolation, we will continue to offer educational opportunities for those who are seeking ‘Truth in Education,’ our slogan. “

About Pillar College

Pillar College is a comprehensive institution of higher learning which provides a Christ-centered education to persons of diverse backgrounds and Christian traditions. Pillar is licensed by the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Pillar is also accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The College creates a climate for study and fellowship which encourages, equips and enhances spiritual development and ministry. Pillar College has locations in Newark, Somerset, Paterson and Plainfield, New Jersey. Pillar College offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. For more information about Pillar College, visit https://pillar.edu