Local Congregants Hold Prayer Vigil For Church Shooting Victims
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – The Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston may have been the scene of violence, death and evil earlier this week. But church communities across South Florida are saying loud and proud that churches must remain a place of hope, prayer and love.
At St. John United Methodist Church in Fort Lauderdale, congregants from several area churches gathered to unite in voice, prayer and song.
"Evil will not have the last word," stressed Rev. Dr. Simon Osunlana.
And pastor after pastor reminded the crowd that God's love will triumph over hate.
"We know that you are able to do exceedingly, abundantly, more than we could ever imagine," said Rev. Juana Jordan, of Harris Chapel United Methodist Church in Oakland Park. She said the massacre at the church in Charleston hit home for her because one of her college classmates had a family member killed. She says despite the violence churches everywhere must continue to be a place of refuge and hope.
"Our motto is open door, open hearts and we will live up to that," Rev. Jordan said.
One by one the victim's names were read and candles were lit in their memory.
Mary Agnes Cunningham attended the vigil. She grew up outside Charleston and has a close connection to the two of the victims.
"That really touched me because we all raised up together," Cunningham said.
Yet she says God's teachings about forgiveness must extend to all even the accused, Dylann Roof.
"God is forgiving and we need to be Christ-like as much as possible," she said. "I know it's hard."
Those who attended said the power to heal is found in the same place were blood was shed in Charleston – in church.
"Worshipping here with our brothers and sisters give us that hope that Jesus can give to us," said Pat Burton, a member of Christ Church in Fort Lauderdale.
And as the voices were raised and the spirits lifted, pastors tried to instill a sense of peace and optimism in the congregation.
"Even though this bad thing happened we're not going to let it stop us loving people the way that we know we're supposed to love people," said Rev. Jordan.
