‘We pray for you’

“Superheroes in scrubs.”

“Thankful and grateful.”

“We pray for you.”

Those who attended Thursday’s prayer vigil at IU Health Jay weren’t able to get out of their cars to share their appreciation. But the signs on their vehicles spoke volumes.

And they made themselves heard with honking horns when the pastors finished speaking.

At least 225 vehicles were in the parking lots at the hospital for the vigil in support of all healthcare workers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. That’s not counting the police cars, firetrucks and those across the street at Haynes Park because there was simply no space remaining. And many more listened and/or watched at home as the event was broadcast live by WPGW on the radio and The Commercial Review via Facebook Live.



Dave Hyatt, president of IU Health critical access hospitals for the east central region, opened the evening by offering his thanks to the community.

“It’s truly moving,” he said. “The one thing we’ve said all along is that we’re all in this together. And we truly, on behalf of everyone at IU Health Jay, appreciate the support …

“I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart …”

The seven pastors — Hugh Kelly of Fellowship Baptist Church, Matt Ransom of The ROCK, Paul VanCise of Bryant Wesleyan Church, Stephen Hundley of Portland First Church of the Nazarene, Mike Morgan of Union Chapel, Chuck Myers of New Covenant Fellowship and Randy Smith of New Beginnings Holiness Church — who spoke during the vigil each prayed for different groups. For Morgan, that was those who are at the forefront of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

“I pray Lord today for those who are on the front line, across America and in our cities and county,” he said. “Every single day, the first responders, the EMTs, the EMS personnel, the legal community, the firemen, all expose themselves to greater risk that they might save our own lives.”

The vigil came together quickly after Steve Myers, whose daughter Leslie Peterson is the clinical operations manager for IU Health Jay’s emergency department, called Kelly to ask is something could be done.

Kelly called his hospital connection, maintenance supervisor Wendell Robbins, who tracked down Hyatt, who gave his approval immediately and sent Robbins to talk to IU Health Jay director of marketing and foundation Vickie Delzeith. Kelly had his answer in just 15 minutes.

Calls then went out to WPGW owner Rob Weaver to announce the event, Portland Police Department — “To make sure I wouldn’t get thrown in jail for causing a disturbance,” Kelly joked — and to the pastors who led Thursday’s prayers.

Hyatt, who watched the vigil from the roof of the hospital along with a group of about 15 of his staff, said tears were flowing.

“I think from the second that it got started at the hospital, you could feel the team members being excited,” said Hyatt. “The last two days, everybody’s been talking about it. …

“It’s uplifted the spirits.”

Some heads were bowed and hands raised in prayer. Some eyes were closed. Tears ran down faces.

Myers prayed for peace during a stressful time that has no clear endpoint.

“We’re asking for encouragement for those that are right now living in uncertainty, those that are in quarantine,” he said. “For the small business owners that aren’t sure how long they can hold out, we ask for them clarity, direction and peace … We’re asking for courage for those that are living in fear … Encourage them. …

“And finally we’re standing for those who are in despair and those who are suffering from depression and anxiety. For them, we ask that they can know and find hope …”

Kelly closed the vigil with a benediction.

“Do not be afraid,” he said. “Do not be discouraged. God bless you.”