WAMPSVILLE — Encouragement, strength, peace and understanding: the focus of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley’s 12th annual prayer breakfast has never been more relevant.

The public is invited from 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, to New Beginnings Community Church, 227 Genesee St. to experience the Y’s mission at work.

Through prayer, motivational messages and music, individuals from different backgrounds, ideals and faiths will come together to bring a renewed perspective on hope, life and community.

All proceeds benefit the YMCA’s Changing Lives Scholarship Program that helps individuals who are not able to participate in programs, memberships and services at the Y.

The event features guest speaker Garang Ajak, a former refugee from South Sudan and program manager at the Center for Dialogue and Action InterFaith Works of CNY in Syracuse.

Ajak obtained his undergraduate political science and international relations degrees from State University of New York at Geneseo and a masters of public administration from Villanova University.

The Saint Anuaritte Congolee Choir, from All Saints Catholic Church in Syracuse and the Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble Kalyna from St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Syracuse, will perform.

The Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble Kalyna was formed in 2016 by Svitlana Bidna. Former refugees, the group shares their gift of music and hope to all who hear their message.

There are 25 teenagers and adults, originally from the Congo, who make up the Saint Anuaritte Congolee Choir.

Tickets are $20 per person and available on the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley website at www.ymcatrivalley.org or at the Oneida and Rome branches.

This year’s Prayer Breakfast sponsors include BME, Community Bank, NBT Bank, Chobani, LaQuinta Inns and Suites.