Jesus Saves Coordinates WLOU Prayer Breakfast for Third Year

By:  Angela Lee Price

Let us continue praying for Louisville, Kentucky and other cities across the country currently experiencing increases in homicides, and gun violence. As of September 9th, Louisville has seen a record 81 murders, surpassing the 2015 count of 80 for the year.   In June in response to the sharp raise in violence, Jesus Saves Ministries partnered with WLOU 104.7 FM, Louisville's Rhythm and Gospel station to host the "Silence the Violence, Increase the Peace" Summerfest Prayer Breakfast at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage.  This is our third year serving as coordinating ministry for the breakfast.  The kick-off event for Summerfest 2016, WLOU’s outdoor, family gospel festival in Chickasaw Park, drew approximately 400 in attendance on Friday, June 17th.  Speakers included, Mayor Greg Fischer, Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Steve Conrad, Congressman John Yarmuth, State Senator Gerald Neal, activist Neal Robertson, and Council woman Cheri Bryant Hamilton.  WAVE-3 News anchor Dawne Gee served as emcee.  Apostle Dorothy Nelson, New Destiny of Faith Church, and Dr. Ruth Wilson, Shekinah Glory Ministry served as prayer leaders.  Jason Clayborn and the Team were our musical guest.

Mayor Greg Fischer stated that we must continue the spirit of goodwill that existed in the city during the week of the Muhammad Ali observances and memorial service.  Senator Neal stated that some state gun laws currently tie hands of local officials, looking at new measures to keep guns out of hand of criminals.

Chief Steve Conrad, who put statistics to number of homicides this year, with a disproportionate percentage involving young adults under 25. Community must pray and participate with law enforcement to turn around sharp escalation in gun violence. 

Dawne Gee stated we must begin to love one another, give people the benefit of the doubt because we don't always know what's going on with them. She ended by saying, "I don't look like what I've been through!"

The keynote speaker, Dr. F. Bruce Williams preached a powerful sermon from the Scripture, "Blessed are the peacemakers because they shall be called the sons of God," Matthew 5:9. Peacekeepers separate opposing factions without resolving the underlying conflict. Peacemakers build bridges, and bring justice into equation to resolve conflict. Real peace comes from God. To obtain peace of God, one must have peace with God through Jesus Christ, our peacemaker. Peace making is hard work, but blessed work.