The visionary behind the community prayer room is Steve Berman, who along with Greg Armes, has formed a non-profit ministry, called Sumbibazo Corporation, specifically to support the prayer room. "Sumbibazo means ‘knit together in love,' found in Colossians 2:2-3. Prayer knits believers together in love," Berman explained.

The website states the prayer room's mission is to serve God by providing a place for all to come at any hour of the day or night, to pray to God and to seek the guidance, comfort, healing and salvation that He offers us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

The idea for the prayer room came to Berman in May 2005, and he saved a file on his computer that outlined his vision to bring unity to our community. The file also outlined challenges and requirements to having such a room.

"I believe God sent that vision down, although at the time, I had no idea what to do with it, and after sharing it with a few friends, I just left it until a later time," Berman said.

"Then, back in October 2008, a series of events caused me to take the prayer room vision back up, and God would not let me put it back down at that point. Through many challenges, including an almost 6-month delay in construction, we finally got the room somewhat complete and formally opened it on May 8. The room is open 24/7/365; we never lock it," Berman added.

Berman reports that the prayer room has been well received by pastors with whom he has shared the vision, including his own pastor, Mark Merrill, from the Warner Robins Assembly of God, who has fully supported the vision and idea all along.

"I believe that God will draw the people He wants to be in the room, at the right time, and it can become a healing place for those who need a touch from the Lord, including and especially the unchurched, and those who do not know God. It is not a ministry of any particular church or denomination. It is not affiliated with any particular church or specific doctrine, but we do have a statement of faith found on our website at www. wrprayer. org," Berman said.

Visitors to the room will notice the attractive banners painted on the walls that display words describing God's character. The banners were painted by Ricky Jackson, owner of Signs Now on Russell Parkway. Christian music plays quietly in the background.

"Plans for the future include putting in some benches, for which I trust God to provide volunteers or donors to help procure or build, and finishing the wall murals. We also want to put in a counter with ministry materials, and a prayer request area on the back wall. We may also offer a secure prayer request box and give local pastors keys so they can take more private requests," Berman said.

The prayer room has been funded by donations from area businesses and individual financial sponsors. If you would like to make a donation to help support the community prayer room, send your check to Warner Robins Prayer Room, c/o Sumbibazo Corp. , PMB 170, 3070 Watson Blvd #400, Warner Robins, GA 31093. All tax-deductible donations are welcome.

The community prayer room is located in the Smithville Center at 225 Smithville Church Road, Building B, in Suite 300, directly across the parking lot from Exit Real Estate in Warner Robins. For more information, visit the website at http://www.wrprayer.org.