Pastor Walks Marathon to Pray for Midland-Odessa Community

Cliff DeArmond and seven others complete 26.2-mile prayer walk to support local residents.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:04pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a chair repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the pastor's role in serving his community.A community-focused prayer walk brings together local faith leaders to lift up a Texas region facing challenges.Midland Today

Pastor Cliff DeArmond of Hope Alive Church in Odessa, Texas, led a group of eight people on a 26.2-mile prayer walk through Midland and Odessa on March 26. The group prayed for the local community, including those facing hardships, as well as the coaches, teachers, and other community leaders who serve the area.

Why it matters

The prayer walk was an effort by the local church to support the Midland-Odessa community, which has faced challenges in recent years including youth violence and other issues. By physically walking through the area and praying, the group aimed to lift up the community and show their commitment to the region.

The details

During the marathon-length prayer walk, Pastor DeArmond and the group stopped to pray with a woman they encountered who was facing personal difficulties. The walk also raised awareness for Hope Alive Church's new 50,000-square-foot facility currently under construction in Midland County, which will serve as a hub for community activities and nonprofit organizations.

  • The prayer walk took place on March 26, 2026.
  • The new Hope Alive Church facility is currently under construction.

The players

Cliff DeArmond

Pastor of Hope Alive Church in Odessa, Texas, who organized and led the 26.2-mile prayer walk.

Hope Alive Church

A church in Odessa, Texas, that is building a new 50,000-square-foot facility to serve as a community hub.

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What they’re saying

“In my line of work as a pastor, we always get involved with local events that include tragedy and some of the challenges in our community.”

— Cliff DeArmond, Pastor, Hope Alive Church

“At one point, a lady stopped us at one of our breaks to use the restroom and get some water. She said she had been driving for an hour trying to find us because she needed some prayers. That was probably the most moving moment of the day.”

— Cliff DeArmond, Pastor, Hope Alive Church

What’s next

Hope Alive Church plans to hold a grand opening celebration for its new 50,000-square-foot community facility in Midland County later this year.

The takeaway

This prayer walk demonstrates the commitment of local faith leaders to supporting their community during challenging times. By physically walking the streets and praying, the group aimed to uplift the Midland-Odessa region and show their care for the people who live there.