11th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

Reverend Mansour Khajehpour, a former Shi’ite Muslim, was the keynote speaker at the 11th annual Branson Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Thursday, May 3rd at the Tri-Lakes Center in Branson. The event is sponsored by Branson Christian Businessmen’s Committee (BCBC) and held in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer.

Khajehpour was born and raised in Iran’s holy city of Mashhad. Persecuted, imprisoned and excommunicated from his family for his Christian faith, he fled Iran, became a citizen of the United States and now serves as an ordained pastor. He brought a message of hope to Branson. Khajehpour was accompanied by Mr. Jim Adams, the mayor of Fort Scott, Kansas.

Bill Budnick (left), President of BCBC, introduces Keynote Speaker Reverend Mansour Khajehpour, at the 11th annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast held Thursday at the Tri-Lakes Center.

Since 2004, someone from within the community has been chosen to receive the Don Gabriel Kingdom Builder Award at The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.

The award is given annually to a person who contributes to the quality of the community by demonstrating in word and action a dedicated and dynamic Christian Life; who consistently puts others ahead of self, who lives by Christian principles in all situations without compromise and who lives by vision and mission working for God’s perfect will in Ozark Mountain Country.

This year’s winner is Jack Herschend. Bill Budnick, President of BCBC, said Herschend leads a very giving and Christian life. Most importantly, he is always giving back to the community in his various organizations which include Kanakuk Ministries and Institue of Marriage to name a few. Bill also mentioned how his passion is with the youth and being a great friend.

Also, the singer today was Allen Asbury along with his wife, Heidi, who signed with his songs. Asbury’s Somebody’s Praying You Through shot to the top of Christian music charts and in 2003 became the theme song for the Presidential Prayer Team and the National Day of Prayer. Heralded by Billboard Magazine as the “arrival of a major new talent,” Asbury has traveled around the world, but now makes his home in Branson, Missouri where he serves as Music Pastor at Tri-Lakes Church.

Allen Asbury singer of The National Anthem and Somebody’s Praying You Through at the 11th annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.

Bill Budnick, President of Branson Christian Businessmen’s Committee (BCBC)