"We agree upon Jesus," said Gray Harwell of Cherith

Ministries, who organized the service. "We've really learned a lot

about each other and that we have more in common than not."

Over 20 churches from at least 12 different denominations in

the Christian body will gather at 6 p.m. for the praise and

worship service that will feature nationally known praise singer Ron Kanoly.

In addition, many of the church choirs and directors have been

preparing for the last three months to perform as one choir for the

service.

"The people of the church have really responded. This just adds

a whole new dimension," he said of the choirs.

The evening will begin with River's Edge Community

Pastor John Hatcher calling all pastors and their wives who have

helped raise support for the service to the stage for introduction.

"This is the fulfillment of Jesus' prayer that we would be one,"

said Harwell.

The service is based on Scriptures from John 17 where Jesus

prays for the disciples to be one that the world may believe

that God sent His son.

Harwell says he expects the auditorium to be filled to

capacity with overflow at about 1,200 in attendance. The last unity

service held had 750 people at New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville.

The pastors involved in the service will meet at 5:15 p.m. for

a prayer meeting.

The unity service has been planned by pastors from all

over the county, who meet every Tuesday morning at the

International House of Pancakes on Jeff Davis Drive in Fayetteville for

fellowship and prayer.

"The Lord seems to be putting this all together," Harwell said.

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