Each year since 1994 the A/G National Prayer Center has seen the number of calls for prayer increase. In order to meet that ever-growing demand, more than 457 A/G churches have become satellite prayer centers and more than 498 others have become houses of intercessory prayer.

"Initially, our local volunteers, here in Springfield, could field all the calls," says Madonna Paulson, NPC coordinator. "But with the tremendous number of calls coming in, we needed outside help."

At various times, volunteers at the satellite prayer centers are forwarded calls made to the 1-800-4PRAYER number.

Paulson says the satellite prayer centers have not only benefited the staff and volunteers at NPC, but they have blessed the churches who are participating.

"Several pastors tell us that not only are their people growing spiritually, but their churches have grown numerically," says Paulson. "Some churches have even said revival has broken out because volunteers are praying for others and seeing how great people’s needs are."

In 2004, there were 800,000 requests for prayer to the center, which is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Already, says Paulson, the NPC is on pace to surpass that number.

"People need prayer," says Thomas E. Trask, general superintendent of the A/G. "God has given us a marvelous tool and excellent volunteers to respond to that."

— Kirk Noonan