Community members walk downtown in prayer to discourage violence
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
An event was held on Sunday for members of Columbia's community to walk in prayer to discourage violence within the community.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, violent crime has decreased by 36.44% compared to the year 2022. The statistics also state that violent crime in Columbia has decreased by 76.58%.
Event organizer, Tanya Heath, feels that this is an opportunity for members fo the community to portray optimism and promote friendship to Columbia's youth.
Sunday's event marks the Meditation and Interfaith Prayer Walks' eighth event. Since Heath began the event, she has noticed that more people have been inspired to make a difference and share creative ideas.
"I believe that what is actually going on in Columbia is that people's creative ideas are starting to bubble to the surface," said Heath. "And as they see more people who want to come together and find ways to work together in all levels, to make sure that our youth have a future, that our streets are safe."
According to the event's news release, the organization has learned a great deal over the summer about how the youth look up to adults. Heath feels that the youth fear uncertainty after Covid-19 and that a solution to that can be found through communication.
"We as adults and parents are making that difference that inspires the youth because it gives them opportunities and resources and support, and it opens up that pathway for their future," said Heath.
Lisa Meyer attended the event for the first time after sensing that she should go. She feels that the event went well overall and feels that the walk will make an impact to the community. She says that while they are praying to seek God's guidance and wisdom they are not trying to shame members of the community.
"I think it went really well because it's a bunch of people who didn't already have a relationship, who got together with one goal to pray for our community, pray for a decrease in violence, and they're also active and doing things to get involved with children and getting families to help," said Meyer.
The group's prayer focus is for the safety and mental health of the city, to increase an interest for adults in volunteering and mentoring Columbia youth and to support Columbia's youth in friendships and communication.
