by Camerin Mattson
Salvation Army officers, soldiers, staff and friends gathered at eight prayer meetings around the Metropolitan Division on June 2, 2020, in response to the killing of George Floyd, subsequent demonstrations for justice, and looting that seized many cities.
“We all wanted to express care and felt that one means of mobilizing was to join with others in grieving, repenting, listening, and praying,” said Commissioner Sue Swanson, who initiated the gatherings.
Cadet Karen Felton who helped lead the prayer meeting at the Chicago Midwest Corps Community Center, said, “We prayed for healing, for reconciliation, for peace, for ears to listen and hearts to receive. We prayed for forgiveness, and we prayed protection over the neighborhood.”
In Joliet, Major Wendy Faundez said several people in their neighborhood saw the prayer meeting and joined them, including a black man whose mother had been shot the night before. After they prayed for her recovery, he prayed to receive Christ.
“We feel a stirring for continued prayer walks in our community,” Major Wendy said. “This is just the beginning.”
