On Monday and Wednesday mornings, at 10:45 a.m, a group of people gather around the main fountain at Fresno City College to join in prayer. For the past month, this group has met together to speak out against the problems they see.
Joshua Sims, pastor of House of Refuge, is attending FCC in pursuit of his general education requirements. He participates in the prayer group, seeking change for the college and its students. “I’m praying out of my heart,” he said. “There’s lots of negativity and no one is speaking out, and God needs someone to go forward and speak life into the hearts of the students.”
Caleb Cooks, also an FCC student and a member of the prayer group, spoke on why he believes prayer is important. “I feel like Fresno City College needs it. It would be good use for the college campus, because God impacts people on their quality of life.”
Sims also commented on people who disagree with the group’s methods. “If that’s how you feel, that’s fine, but for some people like myself this is not a religion, this is a relationship. To separate God from me for a few hours just to come to school is like taking a baby away from a mom. Come check it out before giving an opinion, and if it does not work, that’s fine.” When asked about not being able to pray on school campus, Sims replied that a campus police officer informed him that there was not a law against prayer.
Patricia Borders attends the prayer group and says that their efforts are working. “I’m starting to see a positive change in the people in the group.” Sims concurs, “A lot of people in the group say that they feel burdens, worries, problems lifted off their shoulders. They feel lifted, relieved. They feel joy, love afterwards.” Cooks comments on the satisfaction of the experience, “It makes me feel like I’ve done what God wanted me to do.”
The prayer group is accepting of anyone who wishes to join them. “Anyone of any religion can come,” says Sims. “We want people to come.” Borders also encourages others to participate, because with enough people the group may start helping the homeless. “Anyone who wants to be involved should be involved. I really believe this is a positive thing.”
