| By
BJ HERNDON - Current
Co-Publisher
RICHMOND
, Ky. - It has taken a converted Buddhist from Malaysia to get an
interdenominational prayer center opened in this church-heavy community. Map
below shows directions to HIS HOUSE in Richmond, KY
HIS
HOUSE, located downtown at 292 S. Second St. , beneath the Horizon
Adult Health Care Center, has operated in virtual anonymity and
non-support since April 25, 2004.
The
center is a vision of Alvin Cheng, an Eastern Kentucky University
graduate student under the direction of the Rev. Kenneth Southgate
and the Methodist Church 's Wesley Foundation.
Southgate
explained that ex-Buddhist Cheng converted to Christianity while
studying at EKU and participating in Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He got so excited about Jesus that he became an intern at the Wesley
Foundation, where he participated in the Jericho Road ministry to
students frequenting the downtown bars.
Cheng's
vision for a 24/7 prayer center evolved from these roots.
Meanwhile,
Margaret Howard, founder of The Miracle Book Room, a Christian bookstore
on Main Street , had had a longtime dream of the community coming
together in prayer.
Jumping at the opportunity to work with Southgate and Cheng, the
84-year-old Christian has become the struggling prayer center's
anchor.
Ms. Howard remembers how the community rallied her late daughter,
Beckie Ann, back to health when she was so sick during the late
1960's.
"It
didn't matter whether people were Baptist, Methodist, black, white,
Democrat or Republican. This community came together and a miracle
happened." Ms. Howard said. "When this community comes together
in prayer, we will see another miracle."
HIS
HOUSE has a contemplative prayer room and a larger room divided
into sections for specific prayer focus. There are prayer areas
dedicated to praise and thanksgiving, the City of Richmond, Eastern
Kentucky University, community youth and crises. Pictures and lists
of elected and appointed officials line the walls of the city section.
Various businesses and churches are also displayed.
Prayer warriors may move from center to center and even leave their
prayer requests or comments for others. There are two separate rooms
for group meetings plus a small office.
Unfortunately,
HIS HOUSE, which desperately needs the support of local churches,
is still a long way from Cheng's vision of a round-the-clock prayer
center. It is currently open regularly from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
on Tuesdays, although intercessors can arrange to come at any time.
Ms. Howard, Diane Sallee or Carolyn Hayes will provide a tour and
orientation. Small groups may use the conference room by scheduling
with Ms. Howard or Ms. Sallee.
Email HISHOUSE@currentlife.com
for more information or for scheduling. Donations may be sent
directly to HIS HOUSE, 292 South Second Street, Richmond , KY ,
or to The Wesley Foundation, 401 University Drive , Richmond , KY
40475 . |
|
Letter
of support
from
one visitor to HIS HOUSE
With
his grandmother's help, Hunter, age 6, visited and then wrote about
His House:
Thank
you, God, for Granny. We prayed in the "Granny Room."
We talked to Mrs. Diane Sallee and Mrs. Margaret and Mrs. BJ.
Mrs.
Margaret has everything of God in her heart. She is a good
lady. . . 84 years old! Mrs. Margaret prayed for Hunter and
Granny Pam. We had the grand tour and saw the whole place.
I got a map to remember this special time.
We
looked for Madison Community Church and Waco Baptist Church pictures,
but there weren't any yet.
I
am going to ask my mommy and daddy to take those picutres and one
of Waco Elementary School. Then other people can pray for
them, too!
Hunter |
