Molly ShoreWhen the Rev. Ross Purdy, spiritual...

Molly Shore

When the Rev. Ross Purdy, spiritual leader of the First Presbyterian

Church of Burbank, lost 60% of his hearing last year because of a

virus infection, doctors told him the loss would be permanent.

Purdy, the keynote speaker at Thursday’s Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast,

told the estimated 325 in attendance that prayer returned his

hearing when modern medicine could do no more for him.

“This community never stopped praying for me,” said Purdy, who has

regained 100% of his hearing. “I felt and I experienced an answer to

prayer.”

Burbank Police Capt. Gordon Bowers, master of ceremonies for the

event at Pickwick Center, said he is a firm believer in prayer, and

said it makes a difference in people’s lives.

“Prayers for the mayor and the city go on all year long,” Bowers

said. “This is just a rock-solid group of God-fearing citizens.”

The annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast was founded 28 years ago, and

is based on the Presidential Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C.,

Bowers said.

“There are so many uncertain times today with war and SARS, that

it’s very nice to get together with friends for fellowship,” Mayor

Stacey Murphy said. “The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is a great

tradition.”

Dr. Richard Kasper, who teaches a weekly bible study group for

men, encouraged community members to give thanks for their country

and the leadership of all elected and appointed officials, including

President Bush.

Entertainment was provided by In-Sync, the award-winning Burbank

High School choir led by vocal music director Brett Carroll.

The prayer breakfast is co-sponsored by Noon Rotary Club, Sunrise

Rotary Club, Kiwanis Noon Club, Magnolia Park Optimist Club and

Burbank Master’s Men.