Mass shootings are on the rise. A school shooting in Uvalde, Texas and a madman who shot innocent parade-goers at a 4th of July parade in Illinois are just some of the most recent tragedies. No one feels safe anymore – gun violence is gripping our Nation and here in the five boroughs. Locally, there were two shootings – one fatal – in the Breukelen Houses this week alone. The 69th Precinct Clergy Council gathered at the corner of Rockaway Parkway and Glenwood Road, near the “L” train, on Monday night to pray for an end to senseless gun violence and for peace and unity in Canarsie.
There was a larger than usual turnout as people stopped to listen to uplifting and inspirational music, offering comfort for many who are confused and afraid by the violence that seems so prevalent these days.
Residents joined in the fervent prayers that were being offered for our Nation and our military, and for protection for our police officers, many who were in attendance including our Commanding Officer, Captain Khandakar Abdullah, who vowed to work hard to keep Canarsie safe. Clergy members called upon the Lord to end the shootings and to bring back a better quality of life for Canarsie residents. They also prayed for peace and healing for the families who have lost their children to gun violence.
State Senator Roxanne Persaud was also in attendance. She admitted that although our community is going through turmoil, our community is not broken. “We have to remember that,” she said. “We have to continue to work together, continue to pray together, continue to accept that together we can accomplish more, and our community will become stronger again. As long as God is in our midst, we will never be broken!”
Special guests of Beulah Church – George Gordon and his son, Dayshawn – sang a beautiful medley of songs, including “Every Praise is to our God,” “God is So Good,” “How Great Thou Art,” “I will Bless the Lord” and “What a Mighty God We Serve.” Followed by their inspiring songs was local singer and rapper Shammah, who sang a few songs filled with powerful messages of hope.
Clergy Council President Rev. Cecil Moonsam told the crowd that when we praise God, the blessings will come down. He said that those involved in drugs or violence, from every power that controls your life, can be set free by the Spirit of God. “The power of God will control and prevail in your life because it’s not by might or by power but by the Spirt of the Living God. He is powerful to undo every other power,” he said. “That’s why we believe in prayer, that’s why we believe in calling on Him. Because He is more than able,” he concluded.
Prayer vigils are held on a monthly basis on different street corners in Canarsie. Come out and support our cops, clergy and community.
