UCC Prayer Summit Inspires Powerful Prayer

Contributed Report

“I was glad to find that prayer is not passive in Upper Columbia Conference, but an active mission,” said Jerry Page, recently retired ministerial secretary for the Seventh-day Adventist Church and one of the main speakers for the weekend. “I saw true dedication and ownership from all the volunteers and participants.”

Each member of the Upper Columbia Conference prayer action committee, who spent countless hours planning and praying all year for this event, could attest to dedicated volunteers making the retreat possible from beginning to end. As guests arrived at Camp MiVoden, greeters prayed over them in the parking lot, drivers ferried passengers and their luggage to their lodging, and another friendly group helped guests register for the weekend’s events while sharing a cookie. 

Participants came from all over Upper Columbia Conference and beyond, with some joining from as far away as Albuquerque, New Mexico. Whether currently leading a prayer ministry or feeling called to start a group, lifelong prayer warriors or newly seeking; all were unified in a desire to learn about prayer, seek God’s wisdom, and be filled with God’s Holy Spirit to minister back in their home churches and communities.

Those who attended were able to hear amazing stories of how God works powerfully through his people. As individuals shared their own experiences, it confirmed that God continues to bless abundantly.

“Seeing the prayer summit unfold to be a blessing for so many people and being able to participate in the smaller prayer groups was a highlight for me,” said Kathy Marson, prayer action committee member. “Sitting by the campfire and sharing prayers and conversation was just the best and I thank God for the opportunity to be a part of the prayer summit every year.”

Jerry Page spent time talking about our need for God, which is like thirsty ground absorbing water; and how the Holy Spirit is always working. He also shared from his heart many personal experiences of God’s power. He also shared Experiencing God through Prayer and Praise, a collection of prayer resources that he and his wife, Janet Page, wrote. 

Zac Page, son of Jerry Page and a pastor in Central California since 2008, shared many beautiful ways that God unleashes his power through people. As part of his testimony, Zac shared about a community farm at the Templeton Hills Church and how members of his church reach many hearts through their prayers and outreach.

Additionally, several workshops were hosted throughout the retreat by UCC members on special topics. Including forgiveness and prayer, fasting, combining prayer with community engagement, how to start a prayer group, and other topics of special interest. 

Those who attended had the opportunity to participate in a small prayer group all weekend long getting to know other people around the conference more closely. Several groups resolved to keep in touch all year and continue to pray for each other. 

Plans are already underway for next year’s prayer summit, titled “Pray Big.” Featuring guest speakers Rick and Cynthia Mercer, the summit will be held at Camp MiVoden on October 8-10, 2027. Registration will open in June of 2027.

Main presentations and breakout sessions are available on the prayer summit page at www.uccsda.org/prayersummit26.