People from more than 200 countries gathered for prayer on Global Prayer Day on May 11. On the afternoon of Pentecost Sunday, around 500 believers from Louis Trichardt also united in prayer.

The Louis Trichardt Prayer Day formed part of the Global Prayer Day gatherings, an initiative that originated in South Africa and multiplied to include all of Africa and, since May 2005, all of the world.

"On May 11, Christians will again gather to pray and to repent with sincere hearts and united hopes," said South African businessman Graham Power, who is the Chairman of the Global Day of Prayer. That came to pass on Sunday when Louis Trichardt joined in with believers worldwide.

On the pavilion of Louis Trichardt Primary School, Christians of about 15 different churches joined hands across denominational barriers and prayed in small groups, asking God to heal the land. They also interceded for Zimbabwe.

The welcoming word was brought by Rev Jan Pretorius and the opening prayer was conducted by Rev Emil Katz. The key message was brought by Pastor Michael Dippenaar and he urged all to speak life over their situation and declare that God reigns. The praise and worship from the lips of the 500 believers brought honour to God, and was excellently led by a team under leadership of Grant and Bernice Clifton.

The Prayer for the World was led by the Reverends Zdiziu Hendzel, Louis Schnetler, Gail Blunden, André Botha, Pastor Stefan Pieterse, Dr Wynand Minnaar and Dr Phillip Venter. Dr Johan van Rensburg spoke a blessing over Louis Trichardt. A collection for the maintenance of the town’s lighted cross was also taken up.

"This was a day where the Lord Himself was present. Jesus Christ is the hope for the future of South Africa," Dr Minnaar said afterwards to the Zoutpansberger.

"It was wonderful to see how the churches worked together," said Ps Pieterse. The Cliftons agreed: "A real spirit of unity came through and people were open to hear God’s voice and seek God’s face," they said. Rev Hendzel wished to see all believers gather more times a year.

Local event organiser and Jericho Walls coordinator Piet Pretorius says that he still wants to see 5000 local believers coming together. Vonk Cordier of Deo Gloria Prayer House describes the event as a great success and encourages all to be ready for next year’s Global Prayer Day and trust God for a fresh touch.