[09.04.08] A Clanton, Ala., church is going outside their four walls to demonstrate
the power of prayer to their community. Last week members of Heritage Church of
the Nazarene erected prayer request drop-off boxes around the city. Area
residents are able to submit prayer petitions anonymously to the church,
reported the Clanton Advertiser.
the power of prayer to their community. Last week members of Heritage Church of
the Nazarene erected prayer request drop-off boxes around the city. Area
residents are able to submit prayer petitions anonymously to the church,
reported the Clanton Advertiser.
“A lot of people pray but don’t go to church,” said Gene Sanders, the
church member who initiated the idea. “This is one way we can reach out to the
community. It’s there any time for them.”
church member who initiated the idea. “This is one way we can reach out to the
community. It’s there any time for them.”
Since last Wednesday people have submitted requests at various drop-off
locations, only one of which is located in front of the church. The other two
are positioned at local gas stations.
locations, only one of which is located in front of the church. The other two
are positioned at local gas stations.
The church’s senior pastor, Gary Aldridge, is the only person with access
to the requests, which are collectively prayed for during weekly worship
services. “There should be an urgency about trying to reach the community,” he
said. “We sit in our churches every Sunday and wait for people to come to us,
but it’s not supposed to be that way.”
to the requests, which are collectively prayed for during weekly worship
services. “There should be an urgency about trying to reach the community,” he
said. “We sit in our churches every Sunday and wait for people to come to us,
but it’s not supposed to be that way.”
Church members say the effort is a tangible way to demonstrate the power of
prayer.
prayer.
“We believe in the power of prayer,” Bill Collum told the paper. “If it can
work in the church, then it can work for the community.”
work in the church, then it can work for the community.”
Cheri Fuller and Cindy Lamb Curry 
Marilyn Hickey 
Charisma Staff 
