Prayer breakfast promises laughter and fellowship

Ask what comes to mind when someone mentions prayer and the Bible, and most will not mention jokes and laughter, but Kim and Tracy of K&T Ministries aim to change that when they appear as featured guests at the upcoming Power of Praying Women Prayer Breakfast.

Casey Crowell, part of the planning committee for the event, the first of what is expected to be an annual gathering, anticipates fun and fellowship, as Kim and Tracy provide the entertainment and "bring their unique brand of ministry."

"Expect the unexpected," Crowell said. She pointed out that not only will best friends Kim and Tracy, grace the crowd, but Tracy's alter-ego, comedian LaWanda Mylanta Arsonoma Smith, will be there. She "tells it like it is, with a vocabulary that gets a little mixed up sometimes," and one can "never know what she might say or do," according to their website.

"They will share their own personal testimonials, but they will also offer fun, and they will offer laughter, which they feel very strongly about," said Crowell.

Crowell said a woman in the community had a "lifelong dream to put this in place for women in our community to have an opportunity to just be together," regardless of what church they call home.

It was an opportunity for women to worship together. That woman who had been dreaming of this for years joined with "another influential woman in our community," said Crowell, "and Power of Praying Women was born."

The prayer breakfast was lacking a speaker, however, and the leader told her the event's success would hinge on who would address the audience. Though the committee had pored over a list of people in the community who have used prayer to get them through something in their lives, "none of the stories felt right," shared Crowell. That is, until the day she walked into her office and spoke to a woman who had been working there less than a month.

That day, Crowell felt she should share with her co-worker the plans for the prayer breakfast and asked her if she knew a speaker. That woman was Tracy of K&T Ministries. Tracy's "jaw dropped open, and her eyes filled with tears, and she said, 'You don't know my story, do you?'" Crowell said. She shared it, and they were both "teary-eyed."

Tracy then told her about K&T Ministries.

"Kim and I feel very strongly that this is what we were called to do, and we don't charge," Tracy said when Crowell broached the subject of money. Just like that, they had a speaker.

The prayer breakfast will include worship through song, food and prayer. "Prayer warriors ... will be praying for different groups of people around the world because that's why we're gathered -- to pray," Crowell said.

Attendees will hear from different community women, who will minister through song, prayer, invocation and benediction.

"We feel very strongly that our purpose is to offer prayer," and there's an excitement in the air about the diversity of backgrounds and churches that will be represented. In fact, the music team will include women of all ages, even as young as grade school.

"So many different backgrounds," Crowell said. "It's been really fun to see this come together.

Kristi King, who will participate in the music ministry that day, is equally excited.

"I think it's time for women to come together in unity to lift up our community, state and nation in prayer," she said, adding that she was excited about being a part of a "group of women from different churches uniting for a cause."

The doors open on May 6 at 5:45 a.m., the buffet begins at 6 a.m., and the program kicks off at 6:30. The cost is $10 per seat or a table of 8 for $100, along with recognition as a sponsor. Reservations must be made in advance, so those planning to attend should either call 573-837-8596 or send a check payable to Power of Praying Women to 300 N, Ellis St., Cape Girardeau MO 63701 in advance of the event.

Pertinent address: Ray's Conference Center, 3257 William Street, Cape Girardeau.