by: Megan Lee, Joe Gorman
Posted: 07/11/2021 / 6:59 PM EDT
Updated: 7/11/2021 / 5:59 PM EDT
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – They may have had to move indoors, but prayers were still offered on Sunday to stop the violence in Youngstown.
The Stop The Violence Prayer Walk, to be held by the group of town churches that was to walk part of Glenwood Avenue, has been moved to the New Bethel Baptist Church instead.
A crowd of around 65 prayed to God to stop the violence in the city, which has shot at least 63 people dead so far this year, including 15 murder victims. The pastors announced the effort at a press conference on June 10th and opened the event on June 23rd with a prayer vigil in the parking lot of the former Bottom Dollar Store on Glenwood Avenue, where protesters meet on Sunday and then walk to Sherwood Avenue should.
GALLERY: Stop the Violence Prayer Vigil at New Bethel Baptist Church
A total of 98 people were shot dead in the city last year, including 27 of 28 murder victims. At that time last year 45 people had been shot, 15 of whom were fatally shot.
Rev. Lonnie Simon, pastor of New Bethel who helped put the coalition together, said the idea for the prayer walks was to be present in places in the city where violence has occurred. The stretch from the store to Sherwood Avenue has been the site of several shootings over the years.
“We will hit these focal points with the presence of God,” said Simon.
The churches also offer mediation training to their members to prevent disputes from turning into gunfire, and open the churches to hold these meetings.
Prayers were offered by various pastors for victims of violence; the people who use violence so God can stop them from harming anyone; for security in the neighborhood; for guidance, safety, and wisdom to Chief Carl Davis and all law enforcement in the area; Prayer against the spirit of violence and retribution; and for the church as a whole, for God’s guidance and strength in endeavor.
“We count on you [God] to action, ”said Rev. James Bowie of the Greater Friendship Baptist Church. “You told us to throw our worries on you.”
A recurring theme in several prayers was God’s help in stopping the cycle of vengeance that led to much of the shootings in the city. Again and again the pastors asked for God’s help to get people away from the need for vengeance and peace in order to be able to do this.
“I know peace is stronger than violence and love is stronger than hate,” said Rev. Raphael Cruz of Unity Baptist Church.
Youngstown residents can “barely mourn” the rising number of shootings in 2021.
Rev. Ross Johnson of the Bethel Church Of God In Christ asked for God’s constant vigilance in the neighborhoods to keep the residents safe.
“We don’t walk today, but you can walk up and down any freeway,” said Rev. Johnson.
“We know, Lord, this is a spiritual path,” said Rev. Tracey Dawson of the New Covenant Church of the Nazerene when she asked God to change the hearts of those who contemplate violence.
Mayor Jamael Tito Brown thanked the pastors and said what he likes best about the coalition is the authenticity.
“It’s the trusted voices in our community that make a breakthrough,” said Brown. “Keep doing what you are doing for our children and our babies.”
Pastor Simon said the effort would not be easy, so he asked for prayer for the churches.
“For that we have to give God everything we have,” said Rev. Simon. “God will honor what we give him.”
The next prayer walk will be announced shortly.
