MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- More than 200 people came together to enjoy a morning of food and fellowship at the National Prayer Breakfast Feb. 8 at Gonzales Hall here.

Guest speaker, Dr. Robert H. Schuller, the pastor at the Crystal Cathedral and host of the “Hour of Power,” painted pictures of America’s contributions to the rebuilding of Germany after World War II and the kindness shown to children in Iraq as heartwarming evidence of how service members “are more than conquerors.”

“I was pleased that they found Reverend Schuller,” said Lt. Col. Marianne Waldrop, intelligence officer, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “I have been to his church … I felt his words were very uplifting and inspiring.”

More than one million people attend the Crystal Cathedral annually to hear the 80-year-old reverend’s goal-setting ideas and his “theology of self-esteem” that has been an enduring source of strength and hope for his San Diego-based congregation and the millions of people who watch his sermon during his “Hour of Power” broadcasts.

“I hope everyone’s sense of spiritual strength was reinforced at this breakfast,” said Navy Lt. Michael Chester, staff chaplain, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. “Strong faith is especially important while serving during a time of war.”

The station’s annual event serves as an extension of the annual National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, D.C. The program began in 1942 when individual groups from the Senate and House of Representatives met weekly in prayer groups.

In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower joined the members of the House and Senate prayer groups and established the Presidential Prayer Breakfast.

Officially becoming the National Prayer Breakfast in 1970, the event is traditionally held at all military installations during the first week of February.