Source: www.mercurynews.com

Members of Ahmadiyya Muslim community and neighbors along with city officials gathered 6 p.m. last Thursday at Baitul Baseer Mosque in Milpitas to celebrate National Day of Prayer, starting the event with a recitation from the Quran.

The purpose of the gathering was explained with background information about the day, among it that in 1775 the Continental Congress issued a day to designate “a time for prayer in forming a new nation.” The event continued with part of President Barack Obama’s statement read out, which he shared with the nation that day last week.

After the introduction, Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves said a few words regarding the importance of this event. Mario Smalls from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Rev. Nancy Palmer Jones from First Unitarian Church of San Jose followed by leading those attending in prayers.

Finally, Aftab Jamil, vice president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, offered a prayer for the local community, nation and mankind as a whole. Special emphasis was given to the victims and families of recent tragedies, including the Boston Marathon bombing, Waco, Texas fire, earthquake and accident in Bangladesh.

All the speakers echoed one point, to seek guidance from God in times of difficulties.

-There was also a large gathering 7 p.m. at the Milpitas Sports Complex outdoor stadium that day. Hundreds of Christians attended, praying between music and hymns provided by the 18 Thoughts Music Band.