The Rev. Samson Mamour speaking at the prayer vigil at the First Baptist Church of Murfreesboro, N.C., on August 21, 2026. Photo courtesy, The Cultivator YouTube Channel
Sometimes, when I am on my trips to explore Eastern NC’s history, I see and hear things that move me deeply. This was one of them.
Of my recent visit to Murfreesboro, I have only this to say: I was there for a prayer vigil that was held to protest the opening of an ICE detention center a few miles to the east in Winton.
The gentle words of an Episcopal priest from South Sudan are my most lasting memory of the day.
From the pulpit at the First Baptist Church of Murfreesboro, Father Samson Mamour spoke from his heart.
“I arrived in this country as a refugee, and I deeply understand the struggle that comes with leaving everything behind– your homeland, your familiar surroundings and cherished memories.”
He called on us to extend our love and compassion to those who are searching for a new home here in America.
“As human beings united under one Creator and one Lord, Jesus Christ, we are called to respond not with fear, which can isolate us, but with love, which connects us all.”
David Cecelski 
This is beautiful and thanks for sharing it.I also loved your stories about your travels along the Cape Fear. Thanks, Susan Marotti Sent from my iPhoneOn Sep 2, 2026,
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My previous experience with community events was different. I found that the atmosphere at that vigil was significantly more intense than I anticipated.
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David, to the Father’s words and to yours, I can only say Amen.
I’ll add the obvious–All our families, other than Indigenous, are/were immigrants and migration/immigration made, and continue to make, this country. Vicious, reckless, inhumane treatment under the guise of law enforcement is still criminal; it is anti-American, anti-justice.
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