The 15 phone lines begin to ring shortly after the Spirit-filled Ministries 10:30 p.m. Thursday evening broadcast with Dr. Craig Dossman begins. Until midnight — and sometimes later — volunteers in East Palo Alto and Lancaster, Calif., listen and pray with an average of 125 weekly callers seeking answers for life’s struggles from across America.

“I love to pray,” says Trenaya Pierce. “After we listen and pray with [the callers] we hear the joy of the Lord in their voices. That’s what keeps me coming on Thursday nights.”

“We claim Bible promises with them,” says Lynda Broussard. “The Holy Spirit surprises us with scriptures that just come to mind at the right time. Callers will say ‘You’re praying everything that I needed.’ Even thought it’s late and we’re tired, the Holy Spirit puts the right words in our mouths.”

Launched Aug. 16, 2005, to an explosion of interest, the six-month old outreach is the culmination of a life-long dream. “I grew up in the inner city. The first time I ever went outside my community I was 15 years old,” Dossman remembers. “We were brought into the church through inner city ministry. People from the Carmichael, Calif., church went door-to-door in our neighborhood. I’ve always had a commitment to reach others like me with the gospel.”

Moving from Mississippi to pastor the East Palo Alto church in 2002 was God’s “perfect timing” catalyst. Though beginning an independent ministry is a daunting challenge, Dossman felt led by the Spirit to step out in faith.

Broadcast on The Word Network nationwide and in 140 countries, the ministries’ initial targets are California’s urban communities. Viewers can tune in on Comcast Cable or The Dish Network or listen over Sirius satellite radio. (For program schedules, go to www.thewordnetwork.org.) It is supported by individual donations from church members, private contributors and the camp meeting evangelism offering.

Each call always ends with an offer for free Bible studies. The follow-up is intentional and extensive. Bible study requests and free literature are mailed out by Bible worker Mickey Dossman within three days of each request. Avis Doctor, Bible school director, manages the school’s follow-up studies.

Dossman calls individuals who request to speak with him personally. Then names of callers requesting Bible studies or visits are forwarded on to Adventist churches in their local area. Spirit-filled Clubs are also being established in several conference churches to expedite the personal visit requests.

The Jacob’s Ladder 6 p.m. Wednesday prayer meeting continues to pray over the weekly requests. And a monthly newsletter keeps contact with the growing number of listeners.

Sabbath attendance is up at the East Palo Alto church, too. Bay Area callers ask for the church’s location. Non-active and former members are also returning excited about how God is leading and recommitting to the gospel commission.

Humbled by the overwhelming and growing response, and struggling a bit to manage and grow this miracle outreach, Dossman’s courage and faith are strong. “We have to use every avenue out there,” he says. “This is an amazing opportunity to reach people for Jesus.”

For more information or to get involved, contact Dossman at www.spirit-filledministries.org.