In a neighborhood long plagued by gun violence and poverty, one East Oakland church is using prayer as a form of outreach and a weapon for peace.
Acts Full Gospel Church is home to the S.W.A.T. Ministry, short for Soul Winning Across Town, a grassroots initiative that brings prayer directly to the community. Instead of waiting for people to walk through church doors, members head out into the streets, knocking on doors, offering prayers, and striking up conversations with strangers in an effort to promote peace and spiritual healing.
“If I can just pray with you, brother. Can you say ‘Lord Jesus’?” asked church member DeAngelo Grant as he approached a man named Javier standing in his driveway…