Ozark Mountain Prayer Breakfast saw huge turnout

A large crowd attended the 2025 Ozark Mountain Prayer Breakfast. Approximately 1,000 people flocked to the Branson Convention Center for the annual event, held May 1, in observance of the National Day of Prayer. It affords those in attendance the opportunity to come together in prayer for our community and our country, our leaders and one another.  

Keynote speaker for the event was Amanda Hoenes, Founder and Director of True Path Adventures. Hoenes is an author, adventurer, entrepreneur and a U.S. Marine. Hoenes, who served her country during Operation Iraqi Freedom, participated in casualty evacuation missions. She was a member of the Red Dragon Helicopter Squadron and served as crew chief and aerial gunner. Hoenes was awarded the Bronze Star with a V for Valor. A graduate of Branson High School, Hoenes completed three tours of duty in Iraq.

Worship leader for the Ozark Mountain Prayer Breakfast was Nadia Yates, a worship leader and international Gospel recording artist. Known to those in Branson as Nadia Cole, she was one-third of the group Voices of Glory, singing alongside her brothers, Michael and Avery. Together the trio formed a show in Branson that was popular with Branson's many visitors. The group was a top-five finisher on television's “America's Got Talent.”   

The Kingdom Builder Award is presented to the person who contributes to the quality of the community by demonstrating in word and action a dedicated and dynamic Christian life. This year's recipient of the Don and Dorothy Gabriel Kingdom Builder Award was Larry Johnson. Well known in the Branson area for his dedication and commitment to God and his community, Johnson currently serves as the President of the Board of Christian Action Ministries.

The Ozark Mountain Prayer Breakfast got its start in the early 1990s. Don Gabriel, father of entertainer Doug Gabriel, founded the Branson Christian Business Men’s Committee, with a mission to foster a Christian community in Branson. The Ozark Mountain Prayer Breakfast was then founded by Gabriel and the CBMC.

Doug Gabriel attended this year's Ozark Mountain Prayer Breakfast.

"It seems every year it keeps getting bigger," said Gabriel, of the event. "I always tear up when they present the Don and Dorothy Gabriel Kingdom Builder recognition to a member of our community for their service to Jesus Christ. My parents were such a witness for Jesus Christ while they lived on earth and there's no doubt when they both entered heaven that Jesus said, 'Well done, thy good and faithful servant' to both of them. I'm so grateful God gave me them as my parents, and I strive to be like them as I want my life to glorify God in all I do."

Gabriel continued, "What a legacy they left on Branson and our community, and I know they were smiling down on Branson during the Prayer Breakfast and praising Jesus for what He's done. My heart is full of joy!"