Modeling the Bible’s emphasis on unity, the Houston Ministerial Alliance brings together church leaders monthly as they lead the way for faith in the community.
Along with supporting organizations such as the Texas County Food Pantry, On Time Ministry and Pregnancy Resource Center of South Central Missouri financially, the group organizes services and faith-based events throughout the calendar year. Here’s a look:
CARRY THE CROSS
For eighth consecutive years, believers in Texas County have joined an effort across Missouri to share their faith on Good Friday. “Carry The Cross” unites area Christians to stand alongside U.S. 63 from 7-11 a.m. each Good Friday as witnesses for Christ. More than 1,300 people participated in 2019 as life-size crosses covered nearly every quarter-mile from west of Cabool to the Texas County line north of Licking.
Carry The Cross is the fulfillment of a vision placed in the heart of Pastor David Craig of Sikeston. He met with youth pastor Jeff McNiell early in 2012, and the effort in Texas County began that April with about 50 people holding 22 crosses.
Connected via Facebook at facebook.com/iwillcarrythecross
PRAYER ZONE CHALLENGE
Launched in the fall of 2011, the event rallies believers with an annual service that features worship, a message and group prayer. The alliance encourages representatives from all seven county school districts as well as home schoolers and church members to attend.
The concept to make the county a “Prayer Zone” was developed during an alliance monthly meeting. As the group was discussing ways to serve the community, a pastor shared about another ministerial alliance that was praying for its school. Each time a person saw a crosswalk, they prayed.
The Houston pastors liked the idea and made it their own. They organized an event, erected a sign on the south edge of town and passed out “Prayer Zone Partner” signs for the public to post in yards, hang on buildings or display in business windows.
Every time a believer sees a sign in Texas County, they are asked to pause and pray for their local school district.
“If we won’t pray for our schools, who will?” Pastor Bill Villapiano of Faith Fellowship said. “It’s important for us to take a local responsibility for praying for the people who spend the most amount of time with our kids in a week. It’s necessary for us to pray for not only the students, but also the people who will leave a long lasting impression on our kids well into adulthood. When someone has that type of impression, they are certainly worthy of our prayer support.”
The Facebook page for the effort is www.facebook.com/PrayerZoneChallenge.
BACCALAUREATE
A special service is held the Sunday evening prior to Houston High School’s graduation each year and features performances by the HHS choir and band as well as a special guest speaker. Along with the graduates, their families and members of the community attend.
HOLIDAY SERVICES
The alliance hosts both Thanksgiving and Christmas services inside area churches.
The Thanksgiving service includes music by the Community Choir and a message from a local pastor. The Christmas service features musicians as well as performances from several area churches.
WHEN THEY MEET
The Houston Ministerial Alliance meets at noon the second Wednesday of each month at First Free Will Baptist Church in Houston. Get in contact with the organization through pastors of local churches or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/houstonministerialalliance.