Tired of the sex, alcohol and drug dealing going on in local neighborhoods, the Washington County Ministerial Association decided the churchs in the county could no longer afford to leave drug, alcohol and sexual problems in the community to the mayor or the police. Instead, they have turned to God - trusting him to act in the community. Pastors and church members from across Springfield and Washington County took part in a "prayer walk" Sunday, Oct. 16, 2005 at 2 p.m. They walked down High Street to areas where community members said drinking, drugs and other activities took place and prayed at each area.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (King James Version)" Ephesians 6:12.

Claiming biblical truths and promises the group "bound the devil" and the "powers and principalities" at trouble spots around town and prayed for the deliverance of those addicted to alcohol and drugs. A survey taken last year at Washington County schools shows that almost half of the students in the schools (including the elementary and middle schools) have experimented with either sex, drugs or alcohol. The problem is not one to leave to city officials and is the responsibility of the church and those members in the church said leaders.

For more information on how you can participate in prayer for the county, contact your local church leaders.