Women Connect: Prayer Matters — Erica Capri

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…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. >1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬ ‭English Standard Version

Sharing the hope that is in us shouldn't be so complicated.

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Ten years ago I met beautiful Erica Capri in Spokane, Washington. She invited me to a tea with other lady friends from her church. In between sandwiches and scones, Erica invited each guest to share their story. I was spellbound by the history and love that flowed from these precious women.

When it came time for Erica to share her story…let's just say, a decade has passed, and it still stands out as a story I will treasure forever.

Erica grew up in Bremen, Germany. Raised in a wealthy home, amid servants and plush surroundings, it may have appeared from the outside that they 'had it all'. Inside was a different story. Void of God, Erica had a deep longing to fill her lonely heart's emptiness.

While playing tennis, she met Joe Capri. He was a tall, handsome Italian from America - serving as a foreign diplomat at the American Consulant in Germany. Truly a "match" made in heaven, it seemed. Fast forward, several tennis games later, they fell in love, eventually married and started their family.

Joe's position made it necessary for them to uproot often, with new country assignments. Also in his role as a diplomat, he attended many cocktail parties…while Erica held the fort with more of the parenting activities.

Over time, Joe succumbed to alcoholism. And Erica to bitterness. Their love and home began to unravel. Moving half the world away from Joe and on the brink of divorce, Erica walked aimlessly around her house. She was despondent and suicidal. Wandering into her daughter's room, she found a 'stolen' Gideon Bible. As she opened it, her eyes fell on...

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.He makes me to lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside the still waters.He restores my soul;He leads me in the paths of righteousnessfor His name's sake. >Psalm 23: 1-3 (NKJV)

Recognizing these words from earlier memorial services and other events, Erica was surprised to learn they came from the Bible. This was the beginning of her insatiable appetite for God's Word. She surrendered her heart to Jesus and grew in her newfound faith.

She prayed diligently that Joe, too, would somehow find Jesus as his Savior.

God heard Erica's prayers. One Friday night—continents apart—Joe had his weekend beverages lined up—ready to bolt in. He took a swig of his whiskey—and then, in what can only be described as a miracle—went to the sink and spit it out. He was overcome with disgust for his lifestyle and poured the remaining drink down the drain.

Spoiler alert - Joe also became a believer! Joe + Erica were reunited. Their marriage was restored. Joe retired just before turning sixty. With a daughter attending Eastern Washington University, they finally moved stateside and took up residence in nearby Spokane.

But before assuming 'happily ever after'…please stay with me for this 'prayer matters' twist…

Settled into their beautiful, cozy home and plugged into a nearby church, the Capris made new friends and hosted a weekly Bible Study. Their kids were grown—they were empty nesters—everything seemed fine…except for the constant drone of TV sports announcers.

When he wasn't attending church, hosting a Bible study or playing an occasional round of golf, you'd likely find comfortably retired Joe in his recliner watching all-things-sports. A - L - L. It was driving Erica crazy. So she resorted to prayer.

One week the Capris hosted an evangelist friend, Deanne, in their home. During their weekly Bible study and prayer time, Deanne sensed she had a word from the Lord, specifically for Joe. Not wanting to overstep her bounds, she asked Joe for permission to share the words God had spoken to her heart.

He agreed. Deanne shared boldly that God wasn't pleased with Joe making an idol out of television. Further, if he didn't get out of his chair and physically start serving, God would take him home. (Perfect guest 😳)

Fortunately, Joe, now seventy, received these words. He called a chaplain friend who served at the Spokane jail to inquire about volunteer openings.

Soon serving as assistant to the chaplain, Joe began sharing Jesus' love with the incarcerated in both jails and prisons. He kept a tally of those who invited Jesus into their hearts. When his first list of a thousand souls was recorded, he asked God for a second thousand. Then another.

Erica told us when Joe passed away at age ninety, they reviewed journals with lists of prisoners—male and female—whom Joe had reached for Christ. More than TEN THOUSAND names of precious souls who invited Jesus into their heart were recorded!

Erica, now ninety-and-a-half (her words 😊), told me last week that she wakes up every morning stretching her arm toward heaven—asking Jesus to lead her daily as she completely relies on Him.

Erica is such a testament of our very good, good Father's faithfulness. This beautiful, godly woman continues to bless so many.

I asked Erica if she would be so kind to say a few words of encouragement and a prayer for our sweet community. Here's your voicemail from her.

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…for those in our lives who know the value of prayer. Did you ever lose someone who was a prayer warrior? You just knew they consistently lifted you in their prayers.

How about us? Are we prayer warriors? Perhaps we can all continue advancing to 'warrior' status. Prayer really does matter.

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Maybe in reading the Capris' story, someone came to your mind who needs Jesus as their Savior. We would love to pray with you as you share with them about committing their life to Christ.

judy popineau wick