Shreveport church holds prayer walk, vigil to heal city from recent violence

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - The Church from Destruction to Deliverance held a prayer vigil and walk Wednesday night (Sept. 1).

They say it’s an effort to heal the city from all of the recent violence.

“I’m here today because I’m tired,” said Bishop Ricky Moore, pastor of Sunrise Baptist Church. He added that he officiated two funerals and attended three this past weekend alone.

“I’m tired of seeing mothers crying. I’m tired of seeing blood-stained streets in our neighborhoods. It hurts. I’ve been a pastor going on 45 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this.”

The walk was held from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. and started at the church at 565 E 83rd St. in the heart of the city’s Cedar Grove neighborhood.

“God is the good news to all bad news,” said Michael Williams, pastor of The Church from Destruction to Deliverance. “We know it is time to unite as Christians to address the plight of America and the city of Shreveport because there is a spirit of hopelessness and helplessness. We need to get back to the fundamentals of being our brothers’ keepers and being united as one. This is a grassroots movement. If we don’t work together, we will continue to blow up together.”

Several Shreveport Police Department leaders participated, as well as clergy, and those who are fighting for safer neighborhoods.

“In the coming months, you are going to see a greater police visibility in the community,” interim Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “It is our hope to build better relationships with the community than we have ever had.

“Every officer, no matter what title they hold, what position they hold, they will be spending time in the community. Even us. You will be seeing us out in the community in the days to come.”

Smith said the department is re-evaluating how officers respond, react and engage with residents.

And he said SPD essentially will be rebranded into the department the community deserves.

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