For Chilton County Industrial Development Coordinator Fred Crawford, a county that prays together has the potential to grow.

“I was driving in my car one day and heard Joel Osteen giving a sermon on the ‘Power of Prayer,’” Crawford said. “He talked about praying individually and to not be hesitant about what you pray for, so it started my heart and mind thinking.”

Crawford said he came up with the idea to ask the leaders of the church community in Chilton County to come together and learn about economic development.

Crawford will host a luncheon Dec. 16 at noon at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center adjacent to Jefferson State Community College.

“I want to get all of the pastors together and ask them to lead their congregation in a prayer for jobs for this county,” Crawford said. “During that hour, we will have lunch and I will present information on economic development in the community and answer any questions they may have so they have some facts they can present to their congregations.”

With 50 percent of the population in the county working outside of Chilton County, Crawford said it is important to bring business to the area and expand the businesses that are already located here.

“If our community could pray for jobs and businesses, then what we could end up with are more people who work locally, and therefore can spend more time with their children and families and all the community will benefit,” Crawford said. “It is my belief that you are rewarded by prayer.”

Crawford said his goal is to have all of the congregations in Chilton County gathering to pray for economic development on the first Sunday in January 2015.

“Even if they can’t come to the lunch, I would love to be able to send them information with the hopes they would join other pastors in this community in leading their congregations in praying for a better Chilton County,” Crawford said.

Crawford said any pastors interested in attending the lunch on Dec. 16 can call (205) 755-5934.

“We simply need to know how many meals to order which is the reason we are asking people to call,” Crawford said.