Local faith leaders host day of healing and prayer at state Capitol

“I want people to know that prayer is the answer,” Nelson said. “Don’t give in, don’t give up with everything that we have going on. We’ve come this far by prayer, and we’re going to continue moving forward.” 

The Mississippi House unanimously adopted a resolution establishing May 18 as Heal Mississippi Day. Kathy Amos of Canton founded the initiative. 

“I believe God is going to do a miraculous work in our state,” Amos said. “And everybody in other states will even hear and see what God is doing in Mississippi.” 

Among those attending was Vicki Weaver of Ridgeland, who said the event successfully brought people together across cultural and religious lines. 

“It’s time for Mississippi to unify and unite,” Weaver said. “It’s time for us to break down all of our dividing walls, all of our comparison, and come together as a united kingdom of God's people to restore our state.” 

Throughout the event, prayers focused on families, violence prevention, mental health, and guidance for state leaders. 

Neddie Winters, director of development for Mission Mississippi, emphasized that healing must start at home and within local communities. 

“Allow God to heal our differences and our wounds and our hurts,” Winters said. “And heal our past so we can let it go and that we can focus on the future of Mississippi together.” 

Nelson added that Mississippi remains one of the few places where people can openly pray. 

“It may seem to some like prayers are not being answered right now,” Nelson said. “But what it takes is struggle and God wants to see how faithful you’re going to be. So we’re going through a test right now in Mississippi, but we’re gonna pass the test because we’re going to continue to pray for our state, for our leaders, for each other and for our communities.”