A few weeks ago I had the privilege to write a story about the Adopt-a-Street program, an idea started by local resident Michelle Johnson.

The concept behind her initiative was to encourage locals to add our city to their everyday prayer time by praying for protection and success for a particular street.

During the interview, I learned that Michelle’s idea of praying included prayers for the citizens living on the street, successes for the businesses located on a that street, protection for the school systems along the respective street and whatever else that could apply for an adopted street.

Michelle’s idea grew out of her deep conviction of responsiveness after reading about the Christmas Day homicide/suicide in the newspaper.

“I was in prayer crying out to God about the violence, and I felt the Lord placed on my heart to pray for the city, street by street,” she said.

Following the interview, I scheduled a picture to go along with my story about the Adopt-a-Street program, and Michelle suggested we meet at one of the adopted streets for the picture.

This sounded like a plan, so I said OK.

The day the picture was scheduled, I totally lost track of time because I was at the hospital with my mom.

She was having some tests run, and I was with her for support.

I totally forgot about my appointment with Michelle until she called to see if I was on my way.

I apologized and told her I had been at the hospital with my mom, but I would head out immediately.

When I arrived at Farmer Street, Johnson was there along with more than 20 other locals who were involved with the Adopt-a-Street program.

I have to admit I was a little embarrassed to see that I had not only made Michelle wait, but all the other people there for the picture, which included the mayor, the police chief and the sheriff.

Yep, they were all waiting on me.

I took my pictures and thanked all them profusely for waiting on me, and then Michelle asked if I would be all right if the group prayed for my mother.

Naturally, I said yes, and everyone gathered around me while she prayed for my mom’s healing.

I cannot adequately express the feeling I had with all these people, mostly strangers, who were gathered around me and praying for my mom and me.

Tears flowed, and I felt at peace.

I have always been taught the power of prayer is a mighty tool, and I am happy to report my mom is doing great.

In addition to answered prayers for my mom, prayer is also making a difference for the Adopt-a-Street program.

Michelle sent me an email this week giving me an update on the program and said since the story’s running earlier this month, 25 more streets have been added to the list making a total 161 streets with “prayer warriors.”

In her email she also said the Adopt-a-Street program is spreading, and other counties are now starting their own program.

One woman’s prayer is making a difference.