Last year, during the Briefing Day of RunNat09 in Sarawak, one of the State Committee was fortunate to engage Mark Geppert as the speaker. Mark Geppert is the President and founder of the South East Asia Prayer Centre, which is committed to creating new and networking existing prayer cells in South East Asia, channeling resources into humanitarian projects, and raising up prayer teams which will penetrate unreached people groups in the nations.

During the meeting Mr. Geppert shared many points regarding prayer and also showed the participants practical ways as to pray while running without losing the concentration. After that, State Committee member Sarah had the opportunity to interview him. And here is how it went…

Sarah (SL): Hi, Mr. Mark, that was a great sharing you had there! I would like to interview you for the purpose of the State Committee’s record. So, based on what you’ve seen so far being here in Sarawak, how is Sarawak doing spiritually?

Mark (MG): I’ve only been here two days so it’s kinda hard to say but when I arrived here it felt more free and open. All the times when on the island of Borneo, I feel much more free and open then I do in other parts of South East Asia. Probably is because of the long Christian Heritage here. It’s wonderful. Wonderful. Faith, great people and I really appreciate the run that you’re doing.

SL: Thank You. You said in Borneo? So that means you’ve been here before?

MG: I’ve been in Brunei several times and then in Kalimantan. But this is my first time to Sarawak.

SL: Well, how do you find the food so far?

MG: Ah! I love the food. You know, if it swims, crawls or flies I eat it and the spice is great. I like it.

SL: Have you tried the infamous Sarawak Laksa yet?

MG: Not yet, I hear its for breakfast tomorrow morning, so I’m looking forward to it.

SL: Alright. Okay. Second question is what do you think of the concept that we are doing with the run and pray thing (RunNat)?

MG: I really like the Run and Pray thing. It involves a part of the body of Christ that wants to do something. Often times we say particularly with our young people that “you come and pray”. Now, there are some great prayer warriors among our young people but a lot of people need something physical that they’re doing so it gives them the opportunity. And running and praying or prayer jog is a double blessing. First of all, the jogging is good for you and the prayer is good for you also. So it’s a double blessing.

SL: Thank you. So based on your experience with prayer walk and all throughout the world, what would your advice be to the runners and the people involved?

MG: Oh, there are three (3) things that are very, very important. Number 1 is, keep your focus on Jesus. If you take your eyes away from the Throne of God then you can be distracted by many things. And so, best that number one to keep your focus on Jesus. Then number 2, remember that what you’re doing is important for the moment, it’s not exclusive to itself, it’s part of what the whole body of Christ is doing. And then the third (3rd) thing is the prayer area. We like stay positive so we are praying for people. We are not praying against anything. We’re totally praying for God to bless people here.

SL: Wow, those are really great advice and I thank you so much for having this interview with me.

MG: You’re welcome. My pleasure.

SL: Thank you.