Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal Phil and Vicki Epperson, of Chicago are on a yearlong prayer journey visiting all the state capitols in the country.
It was on March 29, 2001 when the Spirit of God spoke to the Rev. Phil Epperson.
"It awoke me and told me to go out and pray across America, in every state in the union," he said. "I didn't know why."
As time went on, Epperson knew it was something he had to do. Epperson, 65, a retired pastor of more than 20 years and his wife, Vicki, 58, soon began the groundwork of their yearlong journey.
They began in Springfield, Ill., on Sept. 11, 2004, in a motorhome. Thursday, they will pray in Carson City at the Capitol at 1 p.m., the 28th stop of their travels. They will conclude their tour Sept. 11 in Washington, D.C.
"What a challenge this has been," Vicki said. "We've prayed in a snowstorm in Columbus, Ohio. Had 50 mph winds in Nebraska. And we've had some people question our motive."
The Eppersons said people thought they were praying in protest.
"We're not here to protest," Phil said.
"We're here to stir up the spirit of prayer across the nation," Vicki said with a smile.
Prayer. It's that simple. Taking a year to travel to each state capitol and offer prayer for its community, state and residents.
The Eppersons arrive several days ahead of time to attend church at a local parish. They have also obtained any permits necessary to their cause.
"We pray for the church (God's church)," Phil said. "We pray for each other, the military, say a silent prayer, then play a recorded version of 'Taps' and close with singing 'Amazing Grace.'
"With my commitment to payer, I have recognized the call to pray for many things. Prayer offered in faith brings results. Most of our prayers are fromthe Bible. Therefore, what we pray will have lasting results."
Phil, who was a teacher and school administrator for 17 years, believes those who pray with them at each capitol are encouraged to be more committed to prayer themselves.
"When you pray in obedience and in what God has mandated, God listens," he said.
"Nevada has been friendly to us and we are happy to be here. We welcome the community to join us in prayer Thursday."
n Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.
Hour of prayer
What: Prayer Across America
When: 1 p.m. Thursday
Where: Capitol steps, corner of Carson and Musser streets
Information: www.prayeracrossamerica.org
