Tom's Boots on the Ground

I want to introduce you to Tom, a WPAFB electrical engineer by trade but called by Jesus to the streets of downtown Dayton. One day Tom felt God tell him to pray and walk around Hope Church on Xenia Ave. seven times, and then God asked him to do it every week for a year. And he’s been doing it ever since. 

While Tom has witnessed death, addiction, homelessness, hunger, prositution, and more, he is there to pray. Rain or shine, Tom is walking the streets petitioning the Father on behalf of those in need of Jesus. Obedience isn’t always easy or fun or glamorous. “When God tells you to do something, it works out best if you simply obey.” says Tom. “I feel at peace knowing I’m being obedient to God.”

Church can seem like a social club if you’re not careful, and our world needs evangelists, pastors, engineers, moms, dads, humans who are willing to show up and let God do the work. 

Tom invited me along one Saturday morning. I’ll confess, I was hesitant. There are a lot of reasons to say no. But I was compelled by his unwavering faith. As we prayer-walked, a gentleman started making conversation with us. Tom was expecting a miracle. This stranger was a known pimp working the streets. He chose to walk with us for about a half hour. When we asked to pray for him, he said he needed a change. Miracle on Xenia Ave! 

Sometimes other believers walk with Tom as they pray for the community — claiming the promises of scripture and claiming these streets for the Lord. Tom also prays for more soldiers, more boots on the ground, to fight this war. This is where faith is put into action. This is where Jesus’ followers do what He did. This is where miracles happen. 

If you are ready to put your faith into action consider joining Tom for a prayer walk. You can email Tom at tbridgens@woh.rr.com. 

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