When over 700 DVDs presold for the movie The War Room, leaders at LivingWell (Silver Spring, Md.) saw a community outreach opportunity. The film tells the story of how one family overcomes their difficulties through the creation of a “war room” where they wage war through intercessory prayer. “We began to think, what if, like the premise of the movie, we created our own War Room to connect customers with Christ?” said Laura Worf, general manager.
A War Room was created at the back of the store, complete with a seating area, Bible, pens and notecards for people to write their prayers on and stick to the walls. Customers were welcome to make use of the room, whether they were looking for a place to pray or simply to rest. One pastor was able to counsel a customer who seemed emotionally distraught, in the comfort and privacy of the room. Additionally, Pastor Mike Faison, a sales associate at LivingWell, led a War Room Bible study, which was open to anyone interested in spending time learning about God or about the movie.
“Overall, the room generated an interesting conversation about prayer and about the services we are able to provide our customers,” Worf said. The success of the War Room has encouraged LivingWell leaders to continue their pursuit in community outreach programs that show the love of Christ and demonstrate the store’s primary mission of bringing others closer to Him.
