Hugh, my wife and I were privileged to attend the inauguration of Oklahoma's newly elected Governor J. Kevin Stitt, January 14, 2019. Later that same day we were the Governor's guest at the Inaugural Ball. I'm confident that the news of the event will intrigue you.
Against the backdrop of the Georgian Pillars on the South Porch of the Oklahoma Capitol, J.Kevin Stitt was sworn in as the 28th governor of the Sooner State. A beautiful day with thousands of attendees was the setting for a momentous occasion. While Oklahoma has a rich history of remarkable individuals elected to office, Stitt may prove to be the most outstanding. Son of a charismatic pastor, Kevin Stitt is a born again, SPIRIT FILLED believer. He is an entrepreneur with an amazing success story. He started Gateway Mortgage with $1000 and a used computer. His company is now a Fortune 500 member and he has 1200 employees and operates offices in 41 states.
I first met Kevin 25 years ago in Norman, Oklahoma where he resided. Each summer after graduating high school he worked for the Southwest company. He set the all time sales record. After graduating Oklahoma State University he set his sights on career success that on reflection is astounding.
Two years ago he felt led of the Lord to run for Governor of Oklahoma. As a complete outsider, he won a run-off in the primary and defeated a career politician for the gubernatorial office. He is wed to his wife Sarah and has six beautiful children. Beverly and I've been blessed to know Kevin and his brothers and parents, John and Joyce Stitt throughout this time. So it was a tremendous honor to be their guests in Oklahoma's inaugural events.
At the conclusion of the inauguration, the benediction was pronounced by Governor's father, Rev. John Stitt. Here is his remarkable prayer:
"Our Father and our God, we have gathered here on this historic day, January 14, 2019, to witness the inauguration of the 28th governor of the state of Oklahoma. We acknowledge that in your Divine Sovereignty, you have led John Kevin Stitt to lead Oklahoma at this momentous hour in our history. Too long we have tried to solve our own problems without reference to You. We have sown to the wind and are now reaping a whirlwind of crime, division and rebellion. And with these consequences staring us in the face, we remember Your word, from Holy Scripture, "If my people who are called by my Name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Help us this day to turn from our sins and to turn by faith to the One who said, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."
"So we pray, O God, as we enter a new era, that we as Oklahomans may experience a moral and spiritual restoration. Help us to remember to pray for Governor Stitt and all members of his staff, that they may be given wisdom and uncompromising courage to do what is morally right. Bless them as a team to lead Oklahoma to the dawning of a new day with renewed trust in God that will lead to peace, justice, and prosperity, These things we ask in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen."
The intrigue? Reverend John Stitt, MMin, is a 1995 graduate of the Graduate School of Southwestern Christian University, Bethany, Oklahoma!! Yes OUR alma mater! I know you'll be proud!!
I first met Kevin 25 years ago in Norman, Oklahoma where he resided. Each summer after graduating high school he worked for the Southwest company. He set the all time sales record. After graduating Oklahoma State University he set his sights on career success that on reflection is astounding.
Two years ago he felt led of the Lord to run for Governor of Oklahoma. As a complete outsider, he won a run-off in the primary and defeated a career politician for the gubernatorial office. He is wed to his wife Sarah and has six beautiful children. Beverly and I've been blessed to know Kevin and his brothers and parents, John and Joyce Stitt throughout this time. So it was a tremendous honor to be their guests in Oklahoma's inaugural events.
At the conclusion of the inauguration, the benediction was pronounced by Governor's father, Rev. John Stitt. Here is his remarkable prayer:
"Our Father and our God, we have gathered here on this historic day, January 14, 2019, to witness the inauguration of the 28th governor of the state of Oklahoma. We acknowledge that in your Divine Sovereignty, you have led John Kevin Stitt to lead Oklahoma at this momentous hour in our history. Too long we have tried to solve our own problems without reference to You. We have sown to the wind and are now reaping a whirlwind of crime, division and rebellion. And with these consequences staring us in the face, we remember Your word, from Holy Scripture, "If my people who are called by my Name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Help us this day to turn from our sins and to turn by faith to the One who said, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."
"So we pray, O God, as we enter a new era, that we as Oklahomans may experience a moral and spiritual restoration. Help us to remember to pray for Governor Stitt and all members of his staff, that they may be given wisdom and uncompromising courage to do what is morally right. Bless them as a team to lead Oklahoma to the dawning of a new day with renewed trust in God that will lead to peace, justice, and prosperity, These things we ask in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen."
The intrigue? Reverend John Stitt, MMin, is a 1995 graduate of the Graduate School of Southwestern Christian University, Bethany, Oklahoma!! Yes OUR alma mater! I know you'll be proud!!