Melania Trump Leads 'The Lord's Prayer' with Florida Crowd

By Julie Brown Patton

U.S. first lady, Melania Trump, opened up Donald Trump's Saturday campaign-style rally near Orlando by reading The Lord's Prayer.

Preceding her husband on the dais at a rally in Melbourne, Fla., the First Lady started her remarks with the words 'let us pray,' before beginning her recitation of the well-known Christian prayer.

She also briefly addressed her intention to remain true to herself and committed to furthering women and children's issues.

Last week, Mrs. Trump publicly referenced her religion when she tweeted a photo of Mar-a-Lago saying: 'Proud to share part of my family history with Mrs. Abe @BBTSchurch where @POTUS & I were married, where we celebrate and we pray.'

After the prayer, which was followed by applause, she launched into an uncharacteristically strident defense of her husband -- and her own brief tenure as First Lady, reports Daily Mail.

"The America we envision is one that works for all Americans and where all Americans can work and succeed," she said.

"A nation committed to a greater civility and unity between people from all sides of the political divide. I will always stay true to myself and be truthful to you, no matter what the opposition is saying about me," the First Lady said, wearing an Alexander McQueen red frock with a fitted waist and flared skirt that cost $2,200 and $600 Louboutin pumps.

"I will act in the best interests of all of you. I'm committed to creating and supporting initiatives dear to my heart. Which will have impact on women, and children all around the world," she said.

"My husband is creating a country of great safety, and prosperity," she said before introducing President Donald Trump. He delivered a speech, lasting about 45 minutes, in what was billed by the White House as "a campaign rally for America."

Melania Trump in Florida
Melania Trump in Florida Reuters
  • ‘Wang Mingdao’s Diary’ reproduction highlights complexities of contemporary Chinese Christianity

    On December 9, the China Graduate School of Theology (中国神学研究院) hosted a public lecture titled “A Courageous Witness in the Times—Launch of Wang Mingdao (王明道)’s Diary.” The lecture, themed “Faith Patterns in Beijing’s Christian Churches Through the Lens of Wang Mingdao’s Diary,” featured Dr. Ni Buxiao (倪步晓), Associate Director and Assistant Professor at the Christian Faith and Chinese Culture Research Center of Alliance Bible Seminary (建道神学院), as the keynote speaker.

  • Floating library ‘Doulos Hope’ arrives in Taiwan; spreading love and hope from a former cruise ship

    Doulos Hope, the international floating book fair ship, has returned to Taiwan and is now docked at Kaohsiung Port, open to the public from December 18, 2024, to January 12, 2025. Originally built in 1991 and renovated in 2022, the ship features over 2,000 books on various topics, including faith, science, and art. It is operated by a diverse crew of 140 volunteers from 25 countries, offering services such as education, healthcare, and community outreach. The ship's mission is to spread hope and

  • Chinese Online School of Theology publishes annual ministry report: Expanding Chinese theological education through new strategies

    In the 2023-2024 academic year, New York-based Chinese Online School of Theology (COST) has seen significant development in expanding its ministry in theological education and mission outreach. They have promoted a series of new events and projects to explore different strategies that expand theological education for Chinese ministers. The following are some highlights from the 2023-2024 annual report:

  • Dr. Fenggang Yang: How foreign forces transformed traditional Chinese legal systems

    In a recent lecture to Chinese Christians, scholar Dr. Fenggang Yang (杨凤岗) gave an in-depth analysis of the historical evolution and contemporary significance of the modern legal system in Chinese society. He explored the tensions and integrations between traditional law and modern rule of law, highlighting the distinctive characteristics of China’s traditional legal system and emphasizing the role of foreign influences in introducing modern legal practices into Chinese society.