by Heather Bennett Eye
It’s getting to be that time of year again. The sun is out just a little longer. The breeze is just a little warmer. Soon, spring break will be upon us, the time of the year when the area is bustling with tourists, many young adults, and a few families, seeking what The Emerald Coast has to share. In addition to sugar white sand, turquoise waters, local eateries and Southern hospitality, visitors will find peace of mind through the Word of God.
Katie Campbell and 30A Prays, a nonprofit organization, is gearing up for another outreach season this spring break. You may have seen their red prayer tents along the beach last year. Katie said fall outreach was their biggest attendance yet. “We did five full days out in the tents and we prayed for close to 1,000 young people. The tents were constantly busy.”
It may be a preconceived notion that Generation Z is standoffish when it comes to religion or prayer, but 30A Prays’ fall outreach team observed just the opposite. Katie explained that several young people came to ask for prayer because they were addicted to alcohol, drugs or self harm. Some of them visited the prayer tents multiple times where the team could pray with them, encourage them and give them hope. “What stood out to the team, is how desperate these young people are to have people listen to their stories. They wanted to tell us these things. They wanted to open up and say, ‘I’m struggling,’ ” stated Katie. “They just want to be loved and listened to, and what we’re doing matters in their lives.”
Katie and the team at 30A Prays are looking forward to making a difference in the lives of many more young people this Spring Break. There will be two prayer outreaches, March 12 – 15 and March 19 – 22. During these two weeks, five prayer tents will be available between Seaside, Watercolor and Seagrove from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunset worship and baptisms will be held on March 15 and March 22 starting at 6 p.m. at Dogwood Beach Access near Seaside (2566 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach). 30A Prays is nondenominational, and not affiliated with a particular church. Everyone is welcome to visit and learn more. “I’m excited,” said Katie. “I never know what to expect.”
Volunteers are always appreciated, and if you’re interested in serving in a tent, you will be required to attend prayer training. Training will be held Tuesday, March 12, from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, March 19 from 6-8 p.m. at 1598 S County Hwy 393 Ste #101, Santa Rosa Beach.
If you are interested in learning more about 30A Prays, you can visit https://30aprays.com or check them out on Instagram @30APrays. You can also join them in prayer at The Chapel at Seaside every Thursday from 12-1 p.m. in April and May starting April 4.
Author: Sowal Editor
Visits: 3
