A prayer group spent a calm Saturday morning at several places that are typically hubs for commotion.
The 14 people prayed at Esther Short Park before breaking into groups and praying at Vancouver City Hall, the Clark County Jail and other public places. Called 7CITY PNW Prayer Walk, the group has been meeting on Saturdays in several cities between Longview and Portland.
The walks began last year and stemmed from a Christian tent revival in Woodland.
“It really just ended with us stepping out and praying for our community,” Kabel Fullenkamp, 41, of Kalama said. “The Lord spoke to us and said it’s not just about that one event.”
Jenifer O’Neill, 37, of Woodland said she has been sober for two years since finding her Christian faith. She recently became engaged to Fullenkamp.
“Just learning what stepping outside the church walls did for my life, I couldn’t keep that to myself,” she said. “Praying for everyone in leadership is really the goal.”
The group began by huddling in the park Saturday morning and saying several prayers. Fullenkamp then directed the group to break out and head to “where the holy spirit takes you.”
“Help us set aside our own agenda,” Fullenkamp prayed. “We surrender to what you have for us this morning.”
Fullenkamp and O’Neill’s first stop was City Hall. They offered both verbal and silent prayers, at times genuflecting, raising arms, placing their hands on the building and playing Gospel music.
The group — after stopping in other Clark County cities such as Ridgefield, La Center, Woodland — will stop in Portland next before deciding what to do from there.
Along the way, they’ve added some new members. Dwight Rodgers, 28, of Vancouver said he has been sober for 90 days and has become more involved with his Christian faith.
“I’m feeling better, more connected with God and going to church every week,” he said.
Kyle Lucas, 48, of Longview delighted at Rodgers’ update.
“To hear you say that brings me so much joy,” Lucas said. “It’s a blessing, and that’s what it’s all about.”
