Biola University President Barry H. Corey gave the keynote address at the 46th annual LA Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on February 23, 2019, which was co-hosted by Union Rescue Mission (URM) and Biola’s Crowell School of Business.

The prayer breakfast, which started in 1973, continues the tradition of bringing religious and civic leaders together to pray over the city of Los Angeles. Biola students Brenna Ginter and Angel Ramirez, Jr. led worship at the event prior to Corey’s keynote address. Corey focused on the importance of kindness in today’s society. He shared his passion for helping others and the importance of future generations creating positive change in local communities.

“For generations, Christians were feeding the poor, educating the illiterate, subverting racism, sheltering the homeless and caring for the marginalized. This is the mark I want to see in this generation, and that’s why I am at Biola,” said Corey.

Biola was founded in 1908 in downtown Los Angeles to educate and equip men and women to impact society at home and abroad with the truth of the gospel. One of Biola’s founders, Lyman Stewart, also founded URM in 1891. URM is one of the largest rescue missions in the United States and the oldest in Los Angeles. The mission strives to provide a safe place for the homeless in Los Angeles. Biola alumnus Andy Bales is the current president of URM.

“Jesus saves. These two words must be at the heart of our calling to this city,” said Corey. “We are called to be a repairer of the breach, Isaiah says, a restorer of broken walls. A redemptive voice for that which is broken. And we do this not with a bullhorn but with a towel and basin.”

Crowell School of Business had an integral part in the planning portion of the breakfast and established a mobilization team of students who helped coordinate the event.  The mission of Crowell is to prepare students to become prosperous business leaders who are ready to make an impact in the world and execute good moral values while succeeding in a business setting.

“Since Biola University's founding by Lyman Stewart in downtown Los Angeles in 1908, prayer for the flourishing of this city and its leaders has been central to our mission,” said Gary Lindblad, dean of Biola’s Crowell School of Business. “We are privileged to join again with LA civic, business, and religious leaders to fellowship together, pray for our city, and commit ourselves to redemptive action that benefits all Angelenos.”

Photo courtesy of Union Rescue Mission. Written by Bella Burchett, media relations intern. For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, manager of media relations, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.