An estimated 100 people attended the Jan. 25 event to pray for Rebecca Lynne and Kyle Aaron Morlock.

On this night, your age, your background, what church you attend, or your doctrinal beliefs did not matter. What mattered was asking God to bring a young woman and her son home. That’s what mattered to an estimated 100 people who gathered in Millersburg’s Market Square Park Jan. 25 to pray for a visa to be granted to Kyle Aaron Morlock so he and his mother, Rebecca Lynne Morlock, can leave India for the United States.

As of press time for this week’s issue, Becky and Kyle continue to await word about the visa from the U.S. Embassy in Delhi, India. A Millersburg native, Becky adopted Kyle in India a few days after his birth in January 2008.

The embassy had granted Becky a receipt for her visa application on Kyle’s behalf Jan. 12. She originally had submitted an application in early November 2011, but the embassy reportedly took no action for more than two months (Sentinel, Jan. 17 issue). Prior to submitting the application, she had taken all the legal steps necessary for Kyle to leave India with her.

Supporters of Becky and Kyle organized a public prayer vigil to, in one person’s words, ‘‘flood the heavenlies’’ with prayers for action on the embassy’s part.

‘‘Pray for God to move in  the hearts of those who make the decision, and that the decision would be made rapidly,’’ the Rev. Robert Stoner said at the event, held at the park bandstand. (Stoner is pastor of The Dwelling Place Regional Worship Center in Gratz, the church attended by Wayne and Cindy Morlock of Millersburg, Becky’s parents and Kyle’s grandparents.)

For almost an hour, local residents – representing a variety of churches in the area, offered prayers and sang worship songs led by Stoner and his wife Robin, who played guitar.

Becky has taken care of Kyle since taking custody of him. She assumed responsibility for Kyle with the consent of his birth mother, an unmarried young woman, who feared she would be ostracized for having a child out of wedlock (Sentinel, Jan. 26, 2010 issue).

‘‘I believe God was truly in the middle of it all,’’ Stoner said about the circumstances that brought Becky back to India, where she had served as a missionary previously.

Citing the phrase ‘‘for such a time as this’’ from the Old Testament book of Esther, Stoner added that he believes God brought Becky and Kyle into each other’s lives.

‘‘Now we are led to pray that this miracle of God can be brought to completion and that Becky and Kyle can come home to America,’’ he said.

India has opened the doors for Kyle – whom Becky has legally adopted – – to leave for America with his mother. It is now U.S. officials who must step up to the plate and ‘‘do what it needs to do’’ to grant Kyle his visa, Stoner added.

‘‘We need to pray for wisdom and courage for those officials,’’ he said.

Stoner also told the audience that it is essential to truly believe God can make it all happen.

‘‘We need to think positively and pray positively, because it is going to happen,’’ he said. ‘‘If we have ever thought negatively, then we need to ask God to cover that in His blood.’’

Stoner also asked for people to continue to pray for Wayne and Cindy Morlock, that they will be filled ‘‘with strength and hope’’ as they await Becky and Kyle’s return home.

He also commended two people in attendance at the event – state Rep. Sue Helm, who donated Frequent Flier miles so Cindy could visit Becky and Kyle in India last year – and Mark Silliker, one of two attorneys who are continuing to work on all legal aspects of adoption, emigration and other matters.

Many other people have performed acts of kindness for the Morlock families and their efforts ‘‘will not go unnoticed’’ by God, according to Stoner.

Many people in other areas knew of the event, and some others could not make it in person, the pastor said.

‘‘I am sure there were several hundred people praying tonight,’’ Stoner said after the event.

By e-mail from India, Becky said, ‘‘I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who attended and supported us. It really meant a lot to me and my family. 

‘‘I strongly believe in the power of prayer and we are hoping for that good news very soon,’’ Becky added. ‘‘I also appreciate all the kind words and e-mails from everyone who wasn't able to be there but  prayed from their homes. 

‘‘I am so blessed to have grown up in such a supportive community!’’ she said in conclusion.

Cindy Morlock said, ‘‘Wayne and I are so thankful and humbled for the way our friends and family have supported Becky and Kyle through this whole long process.  We know that many people who were not able to go to the prayer vigil this past Wednesday were joining their hearts with ours in prayer ‘long distance’ which is actually no distance at all for our God!

‘‘It was very moving to feel the encouragement and support of our friends,’’ Cindy said.

Where to Donate Donations for Becky and Kyle Morlock may be made to:

The Dwelling Place Regional Worship Center
P.O. Box 34
Gratz 17030
(Write ‘‘India’’ on the memo line)

An estimated 100 people attended the Jan. 25 event to pray for Rebecca Lynne and Kyle Aaron Morlock.

‘‘I am so blessed to have grown up in such a supportive community!’’ Becky Morlock said about the event and the turnout.