Canastota Churches Sponsor School Violence Prayer Vigil
Despite blowing snow Tuesday evening March 13, pastors and members of area churches met outside Canastota’s Roberts Street school complex to remember victims of school violence and ask God’s comfort for their families and friends. Though wind and snow held attendance down and made it nearly impossible to keep candles lit, those gathered firmly believe prayer is making a difference in the root causes of the violence.
Acknowledging that the problem is bigger than a single political issue, area Christians are committing to engage in whatever ways will help things get better according to Canastota Area Association of Churches President Pastor Dave Allen.
“When we saw the local need for helping the hungry years ago, we formed a soup kitchen and two food pantries,” said CAAC Communication Chairman Scott Trefz. “We reach out in as many ways as we can. School violence and bullying are new frontiers for local ministry.”
For now, everyone gathered agrees seeking the help of the Lord to guide in mankind’s affairs is a powerful force that needs to be employed if real change is going to take place.
The Canastota Area Association of Churches gratefully acknowledges the cooperation of the school district and the support of local print and TV media in getting the word out and providing coverage for the event.