More Prayers for Austin and Perry: The power of hope and prayer

Perry Cohen (left) and Austin Stephanos of Tequesta, Florida have been missing at sea since they left on a fishing trip on a small boat last Friday afternoon.

The search has continued nonstop all week with coordination by the Coast Guard and the involvement of the Air Force. They have covered almost 40,000 square nautical miles since last Friday. 

As I wrote on Tuesday, the local Palm Beach County towns of Jupiter and Tequesta are tightly knit. The locals just won’t give up on these 14-year olds. 

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, which Austin and Perry cruised past on their way out to go fishing in the ocean waters, is not only the symbol of the town, but has also been called the beacon of hope for all who await the return of the boys from Tequesta. 

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The power of prayer: 

People of faith from around the world have turned to prayer for the boys and their families. Thousands and thousands of messages of encouragement and the assurance of prayers have flooded social media all week with the hashtags #findaustinandperry and #prayforaustinandperry. 

After Sunday night’s gathering at Austin’s school, Jupiter Christian School, there have been other prayer services and sunset vigils each night at the Jupiter Lighthouse and other locations along the beach. Anywhere from dozens to hundreds have gathered to pray with lighted candles. The local Jupiter/Tequesta community is steadfastly holding onto hope that the boys will be found and brought home safely to their families. 

Austin’s cousin, Natasja, asked people to pray with her on a Facebook post on Wednesday morning: