Summer is here and the challenges of street violence are upon us. Deputy Chief William Benjamin recently informed us that the month of July traditionally produces the highest incidents of violence and homicides. As co-founder of the Drive-by Prayer Vigils, it is hard to sit back and watch it happen one more year. I know that I'm not alone with this burden, as you too are faced with the same consequences which impact your families and neighborhoods. We can't afford to wait and pray after it happens, it's time to rally and pray before it happens.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The city of Indianapolis has seen a 30 percent decrease in the number of homicides over this time last year. The IMPD homicide unit has investigated 27 so far this year. Last year, by this time, they had investigated 40 homicides...Police cautioned against expecting the calm to last for long. They're preparing patrol officers for the summer months. That's when police say the most shootings happen.
"We have in my mind four hard months ahead of us," said Benjamin. "Warm weather, people get outside and then violence occurs." [excerpt from WISHTV8 article dated 05/06/09]
We met with several local pastors and IMPD to discuss a proactive strategy to cover our city this summer. I recently prayed and petitioned this request before heaven: "Lord, if you give us the summer, we'll give you the harvest!" It's time, not only to pray, but to get busy rescuing our youth from impending destruction. We urge you to get involved!
SUMMER STRATEGY AGAINST VIOLENCE: SSAV
OBJECTIVE:
A pro-active partnership between Church, Community and City Government to bring awareness to and stem the tide of summer violence within the city of Indianapolis through various programs, projects and events planned throughout Summer, 2009.
EVENTS
June
Tues., 6/9 9-10am Pastors & Community Ldrs Info Breakfast.
Obj: Present Summer Strategy to local pastors; gain their input, support and involvement. Pastors and Community Leaders will be asked to bring a list of youth programs and events that are currently offered through their churches. The goal is to eliminate the idle time of our youth by providing meaningful and productive programs and events through the summer months and beyond. Youth programs and events will also be included from other community youth organizations. This information will be distributed at the various "SSAV" events that follow.
Sat., 6/20 12-1pm City-wide Prayer Vigils: Cover the Summer
Obj: Four (4) simultaneous prayer vigils held around the city and lead by local pastors: praying for our youth and against violence in our city. Pastors will briefly share, compel and pray at each of the sites.
July
Thur., 7/9 7pm IBE Ecumenical Service
Obj: Support service; promote Day of Amnesty and Clergy presence IBE weekend. Share message of "Summer Strategy Against Violence"
Thur., 7/9 11-1pm Peace in the Streets Youth Rally:
Obj: Support rally; promote Day of Amnesty and "Summer Strategy Against Violence"
Sat., 7/11 Day of Amnesty (Final details pending)
Obj: Gun Amnesty Program to promote the surrender of illegal weapons in exchange for a monetary reward. Surrender sites at two designated churches on the east and west sides of Indy . IMPD officers assigned to each site to receive weapons.
Fri., 7/17 IBE Weekend (Booth & Street Presence)
Obj: Drive-by Prayer Vigil (DBPV) van and teams, along with other local clergy and youth development groups to create a presence downtown and inside convention center IBE weekend. Each group will wear t-shirts pertaining to their ministry/youth organization. Drive-by Prayer Vigil will feature a booth with a large backdrop containing names of victims of homicide since August/2006 (inception of DBPV) through June 2009. The backdrop of names will be titled, "THE WALL OF VICTIMS: August 2006 - June 2009." Select family members of past victims will volunteer time at the booth throughout the weekend to share their stories and encourage peace in the streets. A video monitor will flash images of previous prayer vigils. A handout will be provided listing youth programs around the city (churches, community centers, etc.) encouraging youth and parents of youth to eliminate idle time by getting involved in positive programs around our city. Contact us if you are interested in volunteering.
Sat., 7/18 IBE Weekend (Booth & Street Presence)
Sun. 7/19 IBE Weekend (Booth & Street Presence)
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