When Stonebriar members Fred and Donna Garcia check their son’s online bank account each night, they look for one thing—a doughnut purchase in an Iraqi coffee shop. It is their son’s prearranged signal that God has carried him safely through another day.

Army Spc. Marcos Garcia is one of many Stonebriar family members who serve in the armed forces. His duties as a turret gunner take him on daily patrols in Iraq. So far, the patrols have been uneventful for Marcos, but bulletproof glass has stopped two sniper shots aimed at his fellow soldiers.

“We are very thankful that people take the time to pray for Marcos, to ask God to keep him safe,” said Fred Garcia.

To help Stonebriar members pray for service members like Marcos, the church’s weekly prayer list includes military requests. Prayer lists are available in the Prayer Room, and Pastoral Ministries can e-mail the list to prayer team members.

Marine Corps Maj. Eric Knowlton, son of John and Dee Knowlton, has served in Afghanistan and Iraq. “I've been in some pretty scary situations,” Eric said, “but the peace given to me by Him, in answer to prayers, has brought me home safely from combat three times.”

Knowlton said God-given peace enables him to operate effectively under stress and also gives him opportunities to share his faith.

“I’ve had others ask me how I can be so relaxed in combat,” he said. “Pray that the example set by Christian service members becomes an opportunity to share Christ with those who are searching for peace, comfort, and direction.”

Knowlton emphasized the prime importance of prayer. “What prayer warriors do is infinitely more important and more powerful than anything I've ever done,” he said. “My actions only make a difference for a short time on earth, but the effects of their commitment will make a difference in all eternity.”

Military prayer list as of June 6, 2006

Air Force service members are Maj. Shiloh Fischer, Sgt. Matthew Grezeszak, Col. James Hartline, and 2nd Lt. Jeff McMillen. Army service members are Pvt. 2nd Class Brian Cochran, Spc. Marcos Garcia, Capt. Ronald Gordon, Col. Larry Greene, Sgt. Martin Kittridge, 1st Lt. Tim Kraftson, Staff Sgt. Martin Williamson, and Sgt. Jason Young. Marine Corps members are Lance Cpl. Shane Collins, Maj. Eric Knowlton, Clayton Smith, and 1st Lt. Ryan Thornton. Navy service members are Petty Officer 1st Class Alan Jones, Cmdr. Brad Knowlton, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Ted Williamson.

Send your prayer requests

To have your prayer request added to Stonebriar's prayer list, call 469-252-5200 or click here to send an e-mail request.