1,200 gather in Fort Myers for National Day of Prayer breakfast featuring Nick Vujicic

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)- The National Day of Prayer Breakfast has been a tradition in Fort Myers since 1988 — bringing together people of different faiths to pause, reflect, and pray for the country’s future.

This year, about 1,200 people filled the Caloosa Sound Convention Center for the annual event, which organizers say is made possible through the support of dozens of local businesses that sponsor the breakfast to keep it free and accessible to the entire community.

But while many attendees may have expected a purely uplifting message, keynote speaker Nick Vujicic delivered something different: a warning.

Known around the world for his inspirational story, Vujicic was born without arms and legs. He has openly shared his struggles with severe depression as a child and an attempted suicide before finding faith and purpose through Christianity.

Since then, he has traveled across the globe speaking to millions, meeting with presidents and world leaders, and sharing his message through Nick V Ministries. 

But during Thursday’s breakfast, his focus was not simply inspiration — it was accountability.

Vujicic told the crowd he believes America has been blessed with extraordinary opportunity, freedom, and resources, but warned that too many people have become comfortable and disconnected from serving others with humility and compassion.

“When you get what you want, when you want how you want it, you’re less thankful,” Vujicic told the crowd. “Do you want to know what happens to a nation that becomes prideful? You get a kick in the teeth.”

He challenged attendees not only to pray for change, but also to actively become part of the solution.

"It’s one thing to pray for something, but it’s another thing to be a part of the problem or part of the solution,” he said to applause from the audience.

Throughout his speech, Vujicic emphasized the importance of living out faith intentionally — with compassion, humility, and service to others.

And while some attendees were initially surprised by the seriousness of his message, many told WN they agreed with his concerns and appreciated what they described as a necessary “wake-up call.”

On a day centered around prayer, Vujicic’s message ultimately focused on what happens after the “Amen.”