Welch urges Alabama legislators, officials to ‘stick by the stuff’

Southern Baptist Convention President Bobby Welch urged Alabama officials to “stick by the stuff” during the May 4 Legislative Prayer Breakfast.
   
Organized annually by Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP) each Wednesday during the regular session of the state Legislature, the breakfast provides a time for those serving in Montgomery as elected officials to come together for prayer.
   
Rep. Richard Laird, D-Roanoke, said, “If you are a Christian you need your soul fed. About midweek, you need spiritual guidance and a little lift. This is an island for us.” 
   
Dan Ireland, executive director of ALCAP, has led the breakfasts for more than 20 years. “This is an invaluable ministry,” Ireland said. “It is something that keeps [the legislators] going during the week.” 
   
Welch, a Fort Payne native, addressed a group of about 50 Alabamians, half being public officials and the rest church leaders, convention leaders, media and members of the Alabama Foresty Association.
   
“What you are doing may not seem that glamorous, it may not seem that heroic, but I’m here to tell you it’s a big deal to be where you are and know the Lord Jesus Christ,” said Welch as he preached from 1 Samuel 25.
   
“You bring hope and help in the power and name of Jesus Christ. You are kneeling on the hotspot. It’s the Commander who’s told us to stick by the stuff,” explained Welch, pastor of First Baptist Church, Daytona Beach, Fla. “If you’ve got the Lord Jesus in your life, then you realize you are here because you know this is the thing you need to do. 
   
“Others are counting on you to [stick by the stuff],” he added. And, then of course, “don’t forget, you’re going to see the Commander again,” Welch reminded the crowd. 
   
He encouraged the public officials to ask themselves, “Are we doing our best for the people who sent us here? Are we doing our best for the Commander?”
   
Welch also was honored by the governor and legislators during the breakfast.
   
Gov. Bob Riley presented Welch with a proclamation declaring May 4 Dr. Bobby Welch Day in Alabama. 
   
Sen. Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe, and Rep. Todd Greeson, R-Ider, presented Welch with a proclamation from the House and Senate.
   
You have honored Fort Payne. You have honored Alabama but most of all, you have honored the good Lord,” Barron said.