Baltimore Adventists Gather, Pray for Healing
Baltimore Adventists Gather, Pray for Healing
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
Shaken and saddened by the death of Freddie Gray and violent riots in their city, Seventh-day Adventists from across Baltimore gathered at Allegheny East Conference’s Berea Temple Wednesday night to pray for healing in their city.
“I dare you to let this be the beginning of pestering God … till He heals our land,” said David Franklin, senior pastor of Miracle Temple. “We are lifting our voices to God so he can lead the City of Baltimore.”
Pastors from eight Baltimore churches attended and led the service, where they petitioned God to be with the hurting members of the community, Mayor Stephanie-Rawlings-Blake, police and the church.
Maurice Taylor, senior pastor of Berea Temple prays at the pulpit. Pastors and the congregation join hands in a circle around the church.
Jose Cortes, Jr., associate ministerial director for evangelism at the North American Division, also encouraged the members to go into the community and be the “hands and feet of Jesus” and the “heart and hands of the community.”
Vincent Dehm, lead pastor of Re-Creation church,encouraged the group to work together and forgive injustices. “As long as we are divided, the enemy wins,” he said. “I believe we can rise above this to get better.”
Lifelong Berea Temple member Eleanor Waters-Gibbons and her granddaughter Niarahkane Kane wait for the service to start.
Lifelong Berea Temple member Eleanor Waters-Gibbons says she attended because she sees a need in the community and wants the church to help, even if they are afraid.
“People are coming to church, afraid to walk around the corner,” she says. “Because if we go to the corner right now we see drug dealers. And, those same people are God’s children and we can minister to them greatly … I’m praying to God that we can come [together] as a church to go out and do what Jesus wants us to do.”
The congregation forms a circle of prayer around Berea Temple in Baltimore. Photo courtesy Richard Thomas, Sharon Adventist church
Read our other articles on this topic:
- Adventist Police Officer Affected by Violence in Baltimore, Urges Members to Share Second Coming Message
- Baltimore Adventist Pastors Join Forces for Peace in Baltimore
- Chesapeake Conference Urges Members to Pray for Peace in Baltimore
- North American Division Issues a Call for Peace in West Baltimore
- Photos: Baltimore Adventists Gather, Pray for Healing
- Update on Baltimore from Columbia Union Conference Administration
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