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Whitney's mom sets up anti-drug prayer vigil submitted by: Lisa D. source: Newark Star-Ledger Date: April 3, 2004 BY JENIFER D. BRAUN Star-Ledger Staff Cissy Houston gospel singer and mother to troubled pop diva Whitney is launching another effort to help her daughter battle drug abuse. She is convening a two-hour prayer vigil on Monday -- less than a month after Whitney Houston entered an Atlanta-area rehab clinic. The gathering will be held, in conjunction with radio station 98.7 KISS-FM, at Harlem's historic Abyssinian Baptist Church, located at 132 Odell Clark Place (138th Street between Lenox Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard). Church doors will open at 6 p.m.; the vigil itself will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Whitney's rehab stint was the result of an intervention by her mother and other family members, according to the Chicago Sun Times. She entered a program, but left it five days later because she "felt the walls closing in on her," according to an unnamed source quoted in published reports. Her publicist maintains she is continuing treatment as an outpatient. [Note: The publicist actually maintains that she is continuing rehabilitation, while her attorney says Whitney is receiving in-patient treatment.] The pop singer admitted in 2002 that she once had a drug problem, but that she overcame it through the power of prayer. In 2001, she faced charges when marijuana was found in her purse while the singer was in Hawaii. Monday's event, called "Pray for the Children," is open to the public. Cissy Houston has broadcast recorded messages on KISS-FM calling for mothers to attend the vigil in order to pray for their sons and daughters affected by substance abuse. She hopes the vigil will remind mothers that they have the power "to come together in prayer, to pray for our children for healing and deliverance." KISS-FM reports that the Rev. Al Sharpton and Abyssinian Baptist pastor Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts will be among the "pastors and community leaders" who will join the vigil. Foxonline has reported that Houston cousins Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick also may attend. Site design by: Dolphin Webpage Designs © 1996-2004