Michelle Obama to visit Gulf Coast

First lady Michelle Obama

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By Alex Wong, Getty Images

July 8, 2010 -- WASHINGTON -- First lady Michelle Obama on Monday will make her first trip to the Gulf Coast since the BP oil spill by visiting Panama City Beach, Fla., aides said today.

She will deliver a speech to area residents after being briefed by officials and local leaders, aides said. The briefing largely will be closed to the press.

"We are excited to have the first lady come," said Gayle Oberst, mayor of the Florida Panhandle community of 13, 453. "Tourism is the lifeblood of our city and county and we are seeing drastic changes in the way people feel about coming to the world's most beautiful beaches if there is a possibility of oil being on the sands." (read more)

First lady Michelle Obama

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By Alex Wong, Getty Images

Gulf Oil Spill Day of Prayer, Sunday, June 27, 2010

Blessings All Around and Angela Chester Ministries join with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal for a day of prayer. Gov. Bobby Jindal has called for prayer in Louisiana, for perseverance in coping with the environmental crisis caused by the oil spill in the Gulf. The day of prayer is Sunday, June 27, 2010.

State senators in Louisiana have designated Sunday as a day of prayer aimed at seeking an end to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster. On Wednesday, Louisiana state Sen. Robert Adley won unanimous approval of the resolution, which invites people of all faiths from within the state and around the U.S. to focus on divine intervention to find a solution to the crisis.

“You don’t have to live in Louisiana to understand the pain and anxiety that the families are feeling. Seeing the pictures of the birds covered in oil is heart wrenching. The oil spill affects all of us - East coast, West coast, Gulf coast.”, explained Angela Chester Ministries’ Spokesperson Rev. Angela Butts-Chester.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry also has declared Sunday a day of prayer in his state.

Rev. Angela Butts-Chester is a Pastoral Counselor in Long Beach, Ca, with Angela Chester Ministries. She offers Officiant services with Blessings All Around and hosts I Do Radio. Rev. Chester is the author of Before You Tie The Knot –A Premarital Counseling Workbook for the DIY Couple.

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