Heaven to Their Ears

Some wandered out during their lunch hour to see what all the commotion was about. One Mission Viejo man heard about it on the radio and rushed out. Others had been preparing for days to find--and offer--strength and guidance.

More than 600 people gathered in front of the county’s Hall of Administration on Thursday to observe the National Day of Prayer with inspirational songs and prayers aimed at beleaguered county leaders still suffering from the effects of the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.

“This is what our county needs,” said Santa Ana resident Janice Kuhn, one of the spectators. “Our government needs to know that we are out there supporting them through prayer and that their strength and wisdom will come from God.”

Created by Congress in 1952, the ecumenical National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday in May. Several events marked the day throughout the county.

But the largest gathering was at the county administration building, where county employees, jurors, worshipers from dozens of county churches, and many passersby listened to a large choir and brief prayers from several leaders of Orange County churches.

As the choir sang “America the Beautiful,” 39-year-old Jeff Bartel took a break from his first day of jury duty to listen.

“Government leaders need our prayers,” Bartel said. “We’re called in the Bible to pray for the people in authority. If we just pray long and hard enough, God will hear our prayers and make the necessary changes.”

Steve Kingston, a 42-year-old data processor for the county, said he spent his lunch hour at the event because politicians “are our leaders and they need our help. The Bible says to honor people who are in the lead. I feel that they can use guidance. I don’t think it’s easy to be a politician.”

Many of the political leaders who attended the one-hour event, organized by a coalition of more than a dozen county churches, said it was a refreshing change from the combativeness they have had to endure since the county declared bankruptcy in December 1994, after its municipal investment pool went bust and lost $1.64 billion.

Standing under a large, shady tree during most of the event, Treasurer-Tax Collector John M.W. Moorlach, the man who tried to warn county officials of impending financial doom prior to the bankruptcy, said he was happy to see hundreds of people gathered in support of county government instead of “just cursing in the darkness.”

“We are finding that a lot of people are so angry and willing to attack a person instead of offering ideas,” Moorlach said. “Let’s start taking positive steps, and I think this is one of them.”

County Marshal Michael S. Carona marveled at the “spectacular turnout” but said it was a shame “that it takes a bankruptcy to get people to go out and do this openly.”

Supervisors Roger R. Stanton and Jim Silva were in attendance and said they were moved by the session.

“I think this is a demonstration of where the hearts of the county are,” said Silva. “I believe in the power of prayer.”

Said Stanton: “I have no doubt that prayers have gotten us through this. I think those who deserve the prayers the most are the county employees and those who have sacrificed so much. I’m grateful that next month, we’ll be out of bankruptcy and be a more united people.”

Mission Viejo resident Scott Gilmore, 28, who drove to the Santa Ana event after hearing about it on the radio, said the spiritual need goes beyond local officials.

“I think our nation needs help from God,” Gilmore said. “I think if we all came together, it would help us.”