At the age of nine years, Dorcas Willis’ parents took the pastorate of a small storefront church of about twenty-five people. She learned at an early age that when prayer is the cornerstone of a ministry, it is amazing what God can do. From that foundation, she watched God raise up a strong church. Both the church and Dorcas Willis grew up together. She watched God perform miracle after miracle, including the explosive growth of the church and the purchase of a beautiful ornate church building on the main street in town.

She had a privileged upbringing. As she looks back, it was a combination of things that created the environment in which she grew up, the era of time, the geographical location, and the lack of an abundance of this world’s goods. Necessity was viewed as “an opportunity for God to provide.”

Ministry was the center of her childhood and youth.

She was privileged to be nurtured by a mother and father who were totally dedicated to prayer and “ministry.” As a child, it was her privilege to have as her mentors and role models, those who dwelled in that secret place referred to by David in Psalm 91. Dorcas Willis’ upbringing was not privileged from the standpoint of this world’s wealth nor worldly fame but because of those who surrounded her, those who truly dwelled in the Secret Place of God’s presence.

The lesson she learned in growing up in a climate of prayer was that any interference with God’s will and plan became null and void when prayer was made.

Recently Dorcas Willis was privileged to speak to ministry leaders and share her experiences in several locations including Ireland and a missions trip to Ukraine.

Because of the foundation of prayer through several generations, God has given her two sons who pastor thriving churches. Pastor Andrew J. Willis, who pastors in Houston, TX, and Pastor Dan Willis who pastors in the suburbs of Chicago, IL.