DIOCESAN NEWS
02/08/08
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Mission Mississippi seeks unity, prayer
By Elsa Baughman
      JACKSON — Danny Wuerffel, former NFL quarterback who won the 1996 Heisman trophy while playing at the University of Florida, is happy that in Mississippi an organization is pushing for racial reconciliation. And he is pleased the governor supports a statewide function that provides an opportunity to pray.
      “I am thankful that you have a governor that stands up here and asks us to pray for him, to pray for his family, and asks the Lord to guide him on all the decisions that he makes,” Wuerffel told a crowd of more than 680 people gathered at the Mississippi TeleCom       Conference Center Friday, Feb. 1, for the annual Governor’s Prayer Luncheon.
Wuerffel, executive director of Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans, was the guest speaker at the luncheon sponsored by Mission Mississippi.
      Desire Street Ministries (www.desirestreet.org) is a faith-based, non-profit organization that trains and sends leaders to revitalize impoverished neighborhoods through spiritual and community development.
      In February 2004, Wuerffel retired from professional football after playing three years with the New Orleans Saints and the NFL’s European League, where he won the World Bowl Championship. He also played one season each with the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins.
      His decision to retire, he said, was motivated by his longing to work with less fortunate youth. “At one point in life, we begin to see the things that really matter, things that are unseen,” he said. Adding that one day he came to realize he felt happier going to help at the center than going to practice football.
      He gave personal testimony of some of his most memorable games and his commitment to help re-establish the Desire Street Ministries after Hurricane Katrina flooded its buildings in New Orleans.
      Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth, president of St. Dominic Hospital, who attended the luncheon with other religious and lay personnel from St. Dominic’s, said Wuerffel is a man of faith who practices what he preaches. “He is a man of deep faith who lives the Scriptures and puts his faith in action . . . he is so inspiring,” she said.
      At the beginning of the event Mission Mississippi executive director, Neddie Winters, said it was important to note those present had put all things aside to come to join their hearts and minds together to pray for the governor, elected officials and each other.
      “That is a great thing . . . that is what this luncheon is all about, the body of Christ coming together and praying together for our leaders across the state,” he said.

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