Oakmont nonprofit encourages Americans to pray

An Oakmont-based Christian nonprofit hopes people across the nation will come together through the power of prayer.

South East Asia Prayer Center’s (SEAPC) annual Pray Americas has begun.

It’s a summer initiative, originally launched in 2013, to get people to “walk, pray and partner with God to change a nation,” according to the movement’s website.

The effort lasts 40 days, from June 15 to July 25, with a suggested place to pray every day.

“If you look at the timing now, man we need prayer,” SEAPC managing director Tony Wimer said. “You can see there’s chaos in the streets. The spirit of malice and anger and hatred and violence is running rampant coming out of a coronavirus pandemic. Fear, anxiety, people not working. We obviously need to pray.”

Pray Americas encourages participants to focus on centers of communication, government and education. Mondays, for example, focus on centers of commerce like business districts, malls and related venues. Other days are reserved for places like radio stations, municipal buildings and schools.

“It is an easy thing to do to bring positive change to this country that is hurting so much right now,” said Tina Tomes, SEAPC raising kids director. “It’s something that any body can do. There’s no cost involved. It’s right where they’re at. You’re bringing (prayer) up to the utmost authority in the universe for the change.”

All denominations are encouraged to participate.

“We’re not the loud trumpet putting signs out,” Wimer said. “We’re very meek, but strong walking and praying believing that God will establish righteousness here in this nation.”

Pray Americas was a response by SEAPC to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that took place Dec. 14, 2012, resulting in 28 deaths.

“We felt like there’s an urgency to be here. This shouldn’t be happening,” Wimer said.

More information about the effort is available at prayamericas.com.