As YWAM Tyler's base leader, he knew we desperately needed a new building to become our "House of Prayer." It was 1998 when volunteers from all over America gathered together to transform this tiny, hot, well house into a place for large groups to gather. Little did we know that soon we would have A/C, heat and bathrooms!"

(Katherine Ewing praying in the old well house. Fans made the heat tolerable.)

"During the first decade, it seemed like we were always in intensive prayer. We had some incredible victories, breakthroughs and healings.

A beloved Chinese pastor, who started hundreds of house churches in China, was imprisoned by Communist officials. We initiated a massive prayer effort, and after more than a year in prison, we rejoiced when she was released!

We were instrumental in orchestrating a reconciliation ceremony with local Native Americans after it came to our attention that the Battle of the Neches historical site was very close to our base property. This battle with the Texas army in the 1800's resulted in the death or expulsion of Native Americans in the area. We also had some devastating losses during these years. Although we saw God touch many people with illnesses, we also prayed and grieved through the loss of three staff members that passed from cancer. 

Overall, there were days when it felt like we'd prayed our guts out. Most of the pioneering Prayer Force team has moved on but a couple of us are still around. I know all of us will always be grateful that we played a part in contributing to the rich vein of prayer here at YWAM Tyler."  

"Every time I invite family or friends, it's always a blessing to have them go to the Chapel with me.

Once my friend and I were in the Prayer Chapel for intercession. She had been struggling with spiritual oppression and a demonic attack on her life for quite some time. I was able to pray for her against the warfare, and she experienced freedom and healing right then and there! 

We were able to identify that God's power is greater than anything that might disturb us, and He is the one that gives us peace. It's been really cool to see her walk through her deliverance even after visiting here.

Having a place where people can come together to open up our hearts to the Lord and openly intercede in prayer for one another is really awesome.

It's not just one story, but many stories over many years about this place being a blessing. People come to visit, and are so open to receive from God and give back to Him when they're in there."

~ "Gloria Smith," a staff member of 7 years is called to give others a heart for unreached people groups worldwide.

 "When I first came on campus for my Discipleship Training School (DTS), I was terrified. I didn’t know anyone and I felt completely out of my element. One of the first places I went was the Prayer Chapel. Walking in, I immediately felt the peace of the Holy Spirit and knew it would be a place that I would frequently visit.

Throughout my school, it was my place of safety. I knew I could go there and pray or process anything at any time, but my favorite moments were sitting at the piano. I used to write songs on piano but I had stopped before coming to YWAM because of some hard memories. God sweetly spoke, ‘I want to restore to you your songwriting on piano.’ Right after that, I wrote a song and continued to write and play many songs in the Prayer Chapel. They will forever be some of my favorite songs.”

~ Abigail Gilliland, a student in our Summer 2020 DTS

In this video listen to Debbie share how she remembers the Prayer Chapel story.

READ MORE Stories about the Prayer Chapel. 

There's another story from YWAM Tyler's Prayer Chapel that hasn't been told yet. YOURS! Come grow closer to God and experience sharing His love to the nations on a mission trip like no other. There is a place for you here.