Members of the Vermilion Ministerial Association hosted the 2019 Vermilion Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at the Vermilion Regional Centre on March 5. Guests enjoyed a breakfast catered by Red Feather Ridge, and emcee Harvey Hussey introduced speakers. Participants joined together in praying for all elected officials and school trustees. Topics of prayer included perseverance and courage, family, unity, clear communication, patience and grace, balance and openness, wisdom, and vision. Vermilion-Lloydminster MLA Dr. Richard Starke gave an address and said, “You have a community of people who are encouraging you. In my experience over the past couple of years, witnessing and encouragement have come from unusual places. In the words of a Member of Parliament, ‘There can be a cost to acting on one’s principles, but the cost to abandoning them is greater.’ Thank you for what you do in our community; I encourage you to continue encouraging others.” In response Mayor Caroline McAuley said, “Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. As leaders we need to be able to lead our community with integrity and with vision from a higher place to develop a community that is loving, inclusive, and strong. Thank you for your encouragement, and know that it is always appreciated and motivates us. It’s an honour and a blessing for myself and counsel to serve you.”