Oakhurst Church Members’ Prayer Booth Ministry Spreads Hope in Coarsegold

COARSE GOLD, Calif. — Bear Campbell, an Oakhurst church member, never imagined that a simple prayer for guidance would transform him into a beacon of hope for strangers from around the world.

Two years ago, Campbell faced a spiritual crossroads. After a 20-year hiatus from church, COVID-19 brought him back to faith through online sermons. When he discovered Oakhurst's Seventh-day Adventist Church, he knew he had to return.

"I was spiritually weak," Campbell admitted. "COVID brought me back. I started watching sermons online, then decided to check out the local church. It's been a total blessing."

But Campbell wanted to do more than just attend services. He felt called to spread the gospel beyond church walls.

Divine Signs Point the Way

Campbell's journey began with a simple prayer: "Lord, help me spread the gospel. What can I do?"

The answer came through Diane Bolton, a Christian woman who owns much of Coarse Gold's historic village. When Campbell asked about setting up a prayer booth on Saturdays, Bolton's response was immediate: "Go for it. Set up anywhere you want."

Still uncertain, Campbell prayed for another sign. His answer came at FIRESIGN, a local vinyl shop in Oakhurst. While ordering a nameplate, Campbell watched as an employee emerged from the back room carrying rolled vinyl.

"This guy bought and paid for this a year ago and never picked it up," the employee said, unrolling the material. "What do I do with it?"

The vinyl bore a message that stopped Campbell in his tracks. "I said, 'I will take it.' She said, 'It's yours.' Walking to my car, I knew I was committed. 'Yes, Lord, whatever you say, Jesus.'"

A Ministry Takes Root

Every Sabbath after church and potluck, Campbell sets up his prayer station at Coarse Gold's historic village. Armed with a simple sign, folding chair, and stack of Christian literature, he positions himself near the restaurant's outdoor stage.

"People come by because they're going to or leaving Yosemite," Campbell explained. "I've met and prayed for people from all over the world."

His approach is gentle but direct. "How you doing?" he calls to passersby. When they respond, he adds, "I am blessed. Need prayer for anything?"

The responses vary. Some politely decline, others stop immediately. Campbell has prayed for families dealing with cancer, drug problems, homelessness, and countless personal struggles.

"When we pray, we stand up and hold hands," Campbell said. "It takes me a few moments to start because I get so emotional. When they walk away, I sit down and say, 'Thank you, Jesus.'"

Beyond the Prayer Booth

Campbell's ministry extends beyond his Saturday post. Wearing his prayer ministry T-shirt to grocery stores and restaurants, he's been approached by strangers seeking prayer in checkout lines and parking lots.

One Halloween, Campbell faced an unexpected challenge. The historic village's Halloween celebration placed a psychic booth near his usual spot. Instead of leaving, Campbell set up 10 feet away and prayed for protection.

"I hear this lady talking to the psychic about a $20 reading," Campbell recalled. "She walks by me, sees my sign, and says, 'I need prayer.' After we prayed, she said, 'I'm sure glad I didn't waste $20.'"

That same day, a man approached from the nearby coffee shop. "I can't help but thank you," the stranger said. "I've been trying to build courage to step out with my faith. Seeing you here praying with people has given me new confidence."

Planting Seeds of Faith

Campbell's ministry combines prayer with evangelism. He carries Bibles and Adventist literature, including "The Great Controversy," "Desire of Ages," and "Steps to Christ."

During one community event, Campbell met a young boy whose family was discussing Bibles at a nearby booth. When Campbell asked if the child had a Bible, the boy's face lit up.

"I told him I might have one at home just for him," Campbell said. "The next day, I brought the Bible. His brother came over asking if I brought it, and when the boy heard, he came running. His father later told me that all the way home and even to bed, the boy kept saying, 'I hope Bear doesn't forget my Bible.'"

A Message of Courage

Campbell's transformation from a spiritually struggling man to an active prayer warrior carries a simple message for others: "You can do it."

His ministry proves that stepping out of comfort zones can create ripple effects of faith. From a prayer booth in a small historic village, Campbell touches lives across the globe while drawing closer to God himself.

"It's not just about praying for people," Campbell reflected. "I'm bringing them closer to God, and it brings me closer to God too. The power of the Holy Spirit is working through this ministry."

Weather permitting, Campbell continues his Saturday ministry, ready to offer prayer, hope, and sometimes a Bible to anyone willing to pause and connect with the divine.

Written by Justin Kim