However, the journey did not end with a zip code. In the second volume of the Dakota Prays series, his vision was raised to his entire county. Inspired by the success of the Zip Code Club, Dakota began praying for Jefferson County as a whole, believing that faith could bring even more people together.
Praying for a whole county isn’t easy; it is very challenging for an eleven-year-old boy. Still, Dakota did not give up on his dreams. He went about it little by little, with the support of his mom and the people in the Zip Code Club. They went about marking each zip code within Jefferson County; they drew imaginary circles around those zip codes while praying. With every circle marked, Dakota prayed that God’s light would fill the darkness to those who most needed it.
One of the most powerful moments during Dakota’s journey would be when his teacher, Miss Hughes, shared a dream. She described as vividly as possible: every zip code in Jefferson County lit up to symbolize the prayers and faith of all its residents. This meant so much to Dakota as well as the club because it reassured them that their prayers were, in fact, making a difference.
It did not go unnoticed. Teachers were amazed at the focus and kindness of their students. Parents began to hear about the activities of the Zip Code Club and the positive changes in their children. Even skeptics could not ignore the growing sense of unity in the community.
Dakota’s story reminds us that faith knows no zip codes, neighborhoods, or social divides. It transcends all of those. Dakota, by praying for his county, showed that even the youngest among us can inspire meaningful change. His journey challenges us to think beyond our immediate surroundings and consider how we can bring light to the world around us.
