When I was younger, I had to read the book "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston.  I don't remember much of it (as most students don't tend to like the books on their required reading lists for school) but I remember it was kind of a big deal in the literary world. 

The eyes of tens of thousands of Christians in an estimated 220 nations will be watching Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday, June 11 for the first Global Day of Prayer in a U.S. anchor city (coincidentally Hurston lived in the Springfield neighborhood of Jacksonville in her early years).  It will be streaming live on GodTV, but visitors in town for the worldwide celebration can get an up close and personal experience of the event as well as the history, flavor and sounds of the River City by the Sea.

The main event takes places at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena in Downtown Jacksonville with worship, a 150 piece orchestra and choir, country flag processionals and more. Arriving early? Register for the International GDOP Conference sessions: “Worship 1st” or “Foundations for Transformation” taking place June 9-11 at host hotel, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront with speakers including Don Moen, Phil Wickham, Ricardo Sanchez, Joe Savage, Dr. Tim Foley and others. Tickets for the Main Event and/or registration information for the conference can be found on the Global Day of Prayer website.

Personally (I know I am biased, but you would be too if you got to live here), I think Jacksonville is a great place to come early or stay longer and have some great vacation time.  With plenty to see and do, create an experience your family won't forget surrounding this historic event.

Need ideas?  I'm full of them!  How about...

• Jacksonville was chosen as the first U.S. anchor city due to the premise that it was a “spiritual gateway” to North America led by the French Huguenots who erected a cross at Fort Caroline in 1564 sparking the first Christian celebration in the new world. Explore the replica of this fort which signifies the first attempt of men, women and children seeking religious freedom in the United States in the 46,000-acre Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve which is also the home of Kingsley Plantation, the oldest standing plantation house in Florida and kayaking, hiking, birding and Segway nature tours.
• The Cathedral District located in Downtown Jacksonville offers historic and exquisite churches with plenty of opportunities for worship among a number of denominations. All churches of the Cathedral District are located within walking distance of Downtown hotels and the Arena.
• Stroll the 4.5 miles of Riverwalk along the beautiful St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville or take the S.S. Marine Taxi to the historic Riverside neighborhood on the morning of June 11 for Florida’s largest free weekly arts festival, the Riverside Arts Market. The market is Jacksonville’s high-energy, free weekly arts, farmers, crafts and foods market nestled along the river. Browse hundreds of local artistic creations including pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography, clothing and more. Live performances on the riverfront amphitheater stage and roaming performers, like magicians, jugglers and fire breathers provide family entertainment.
• Enjoy the cool sounds of hot summer nights with the Jacksonville Beach Summer Jazz Concert Series on June 12 at Sea Walk Pavilion along the Atlantic Ocean. Bring a picnic blanket or chair end enjoy free, live music by Lin Rountree, Steve Cole & Shilts and Spyro Gyra beginning at 5:00 p.m.

DEAL ALERT!!!  Beginning June 1, take advantage of 20 percent off all participating hotels, attractions, restaurants and more with the “20% less stress, more fun in Jacksonville” promotions. All deals will be live on June 1-Sept. 30 at www.JaxSummer.com.