The Troy Exchange Club hosted its annual One Nation Under God Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday morning at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall.

The annual event brings the community together to celebrate America’s heritage. 

The Rev. Bo Weed, pastor of Lapine Baptist Church, was the guest speaker for the prayer breakfast. He challenged those who gathered to make a choice that day and every day to face the world with joy in their hearts.

“Today is a special day because it is today,” Weed said. “Today is yesterday’s tomorrow. What will you do with today? It is your choice. Psalms tell us that ‘This is the day the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.’”

Weed said it is each person’s choice as to how he or she faces each day.

“We have much to be thankful for – life, health, friendships, freedom and we should express thankfulness every day,” he said. “I like being happy. I like enjoying life. The attitude with which we face each day determines whether we will experience joy. The attitude of our hearts determines the kind of day we will have.

“Jesus’ commandment is that we love God with all our heart and our neighbors as ourselves. If we do that, we will enjoy life and be a joy in the lives of others.”

Weed said there are times when a smile is all that is needed to brighten one’s day.

“A smile is a measure of warmth,” he said. “It shows God’s love and it can lift hearts. It takes more muscles to frown than to smile so smile and offer encouraging words. Today, make a difference in someone’s life.

“Each of us has a gift; it’s call today. Use your gift to make a difference.”

Jerry Beckett, Troy Exchange Club president, outlined the club’s annual programs, which include the National Exchange Club’s national project, child abuse.

“Our club donates to the Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center, places Freedom Shrines at local schools and, this year, we purchased a McGruff Crime Dog costume for the Troy Police Department,” Beckett said. “Each year, we award the Book of Golden Deeds to a community member who volunteers their time to help the community.”

The Troy Exchange Club awards the Tip Colley Awards to high school senior athletes who are active in their churches and the community.  The recipients of the awards receive scholarships. The club also presents the A.C.E. (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) award to a high school student who has had to overcome great physical, emotional or social obstacles and is eligible for high school graduation.

The club’s annual fundraiser is the Vidalia onion sale. The money raised supports the club’s programs and services.