May 17, 2024
COLUMBUS, GA — Knowing that prayer is the engine that moves a church forward, Pastor Tim Jones led his church to begin gathering for prayer each day at noon three years ago.
The prayer vigil at Britt David Baptist Church is still going strong.
Jones, who has served as the church’s pastor since 2000, just happens to believe that a person can do much after he has prayed, but not much until he has prayed.
“Prayer is communication with God, not just list after list of requests,” Jones said. “For me, it is an attempt to know Him and get myself aligned with His Word. I know that I am on track when my prayer times sound more like conversations that flow naturally whether anyone else is in the room. I cannot maintain fellowship with God without communicating with Him regularly.”
Jimmy Blanton, mission strategist in the Columbus Baptist Association, said what Jones has created is a significant prayer movement.
“He pastors his people, practices missions, and preaches the Word,” Blanton said of Jones. “He is the Missions Samaria team leader in our association and in that role he has been successful at organizing our churches and getting them to cooperate in mission endeavors.”
Blanton continued, “Tim is creative in reaching out into the community. During the Halloween season, Britt David has what the Pastor calls Ark in the Park, an event that has drawn as many as 10,000 people. It is a fun time for the children, but also a time to endear the church to the community and share the love of Christ to those who are present for the festivities.”
Prayer is the impetus that drives Jones’ ministry. The church’s emphasis on prayer and the faithfulness of those who participate in the intercessory ministry of the church is the driving force that is providing abundant blessing for the Britt David fellowship as well as multitudes of others.
Jones also believes prayer is the greatest thing a church can do for its community.
“Since we began praying at noon every day our church has become a different place,” he said. “Jesus said that His house should be a house of prayer, and since we have prioritized praying, His presence is so evident that it really does seem like His house.
“During the extreme heat and cold”, Jones, noted, “we gather inside at the altar, but I like it best when we are outside. When COVID forced churches to stop meeting, we began that very next day gathering outside under the portico, even with masks and distancing. We prayed against the virus, for God's protection, and began to seek Him for genuine revival. We called it Portico Prayers.
“Even when the all-clear was given to return indoors, we stayed outdoors because we wanted the testimony of a praying church to reach our onlooking neighbors and those driving by. And we wanted them to be able to count on us like clockwork — knowing that at high noon, the church would be out there praying.
“Praying individually in the Prayer Room is wonderful (and that has even gotten better), but there is something special about gathering with other faithful believers and crying out to God. It has certainly drawn us closer to one another.”
Sean Heggood, minister of music at Britt David and regular intercessor at the noon prayer gathering commented, “"The opportunity to gather with our church family for prayer each day is such an amazing privilege. To be able to spend time with the Lord and lift our praise, adoration, and love to Him has been so rewarding.
Heggood continued, “To see the prayers He has answered, and to continue to seek His face as we pray for other needs, spiritual renewal, and revival is a real blessing. What a blessing to look forward every day to a time set apart to meet and pray corporately to our wonderful and amazing Father!"
Britt David members R. G. and Pat Blackwell joined their hearts and composed the following testimony:
"We have observed a very positive change in the prayers of our group. There is a far greater union in the group as there is more trust and freedom to express our concerns to our Father and to each other. Our personal prayer lives have been powerfully enriched not only in our group prayer time but also in each prayer watch of the day.
“We wait to see more of the spirit of prayer in our entire congregation. As we wait, we are encouraged by God's miraculous answers which encourage us to keep expecting.
“Recently a man had an appointment in consideration of further surgery. The examination resulted in the doctor saying that he could not find any need for surgery. The previous need could not be found.
“We rest in confidence that the longing for revival will come by His grace in His time. As we wait, we enjoy observing God's miraculous answers."
