Citing the foundations laid by a number of "truly great men and women," Governor Tate Reeves (R-Mississippi) last month issued a proclamation setting aside September 24th-30th as The Magnolia State's 29th annual Christian Heritage Week.
Talking about this on American Family Radio, Reeves said Mississippians are proud of their Christian heritage.
"Quite frankly, it's what made our state great, but it's also what's made our country great," he said. "We were founded upon those Christian values and Christian principles that so many Mississippians adhere to."
He also noted that "there are many leaders around America" that are trying to lead their people in a completely different direction.
"So, I think it's important in states like Mississippi for those of us that are Christian leaders to stand up and say, 'Hey, you may want to do that in the blue states; you may want to do that in California and New York, but not here. We're going to continue to focus on those ideals and principles that made this state and this country great,'" the governor continued.
Reeves said he trusts Mississippians to make their own determinations in how to celebrate or observe the week, but he did encourage preachers to mention it in the pulpit.
"We have much to be thankful for in the state of Mississippi and in the United States of America, but everything that we have to be thankful for, we must thank the Lord for the blessings that He has bestowed upon us," Reeves submitted. "Those blessings are from Him."
"As followers of Christ, let us focus our efforts in the week of September 24th-30th, as we should be doing in 52 weeks of every year, and that is trying to convert the unconverted, trying to get more of our fellow Mississippians, of our fellow Americans to understand the power of prayer, the power of faith, and ultimately, the power of Jesus Christ and the power of believing in Him and of everlasting life," the governor added.
