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Dr. Robert H. Schuller and singer Daniel Rodriguez, best known as the “Singing Policeman,” were two of the internationally recognized figures at Sunday’s Reach 2008. 

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Reach 2008 brings positive-thinking message

By STEPHANIE PORTER-NICHOLS/Staff

Audience members for Sunday’s Reach 2008 in Marion were expecting a star-studded lineup of Christian inspirational leaders, but the appearance of a meteorological phenomenon during the event made audience members and international celebrities alike take notice.
During the nearly three-hour non-denominational event, dark skies often threatened the crowd gathered in Marion Senior High School’s stadium with a cold rain, but just as the program was nearing its climax, the clouds parted and a rainbow appeared.
Audience members pointed it out to one another, and on stage Marion Mayor David Helms and then the evening’s keynote speaker, Dr. Robert H. Schuller of the Crystal Cathedral in California, noted the multi-colored arc that in Genesis 9:16 is said to represent “the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on earth.”
Schuller, who is now 81 years old and has been preaching for more than 50 years, stayed true to his well-known positive-thinking message.
Best known for his weekly televised “Hour of Power” and motivational books, Schuller told the Southwest Virginia gathering that “positive thinking is the essence of religion.” It means to have faith, he said.
On several occasions Schuller noted his relationships with the famous and cited delivering Lucille Ball’s funeral and helping John Wayne and “Bear” Bryant accept Christ. Yet, he also was willing to laugh at himself and retold a joke about a plane crash that claimed himself and Billy Graham and Oral Roberts.
He cited his offices around the globe, but then said, “I come to a point like this, I feel faith emanating from you.”
Predicting that someone would accept Christ before the event concluded, Schuller urged, “Just take him into your life.” Listing the foibles of human relationships, the Iowa-born man said, “God will never turn you away.”
A father of five and grandfather of 19, Schuller told stories of his family and achieving his dreams. He concluded by telling the story of Jesus rising from the dead. “Now that really happened…. He’s alive,” declared Schuller evoking an “amen” from the crowd.
Earlier in the event, the crowd heard from singer Daniel Rodriguez, best known as the “Singing Policeman,” who performed in Yankee stadium shortly after 9/11.
Now a full-time performer, Rodriquez spoke briefly of being at Ground Zero when the Trade Towers fell and the loss of friends. He urged the audience to find their gifts from God. The one-time NYPD officer said gifts come in many forms, including compassion, a listening ear and kindness. “They (the gifts) belong to those with whom we share them,” said Rodriguez, who then brought the crowd to its feet with a rendition of “God Bless America.”
Reach 2008 also featured the music of New Covenant Group, the New Hope Trio and James Rogers. Al Cecere and his team with the American Eagle Foundation presented Challenger, the Bald Eagle. A tribute to veterans took place.
At the event’s conclusion, Sally Moorer, an event organizer and the person credited with the vision for Reach 2008, said, “It was a perfect day.”
The Reach events began in 2004 and have been taking place every two years.

Stephanie Porter-Nichols may be reached at 783-5121 or .