This is part of an ongoing project aimed at getting the Reiger Park residents to understand their own potential, and change their lives for the better, which was initiated by an institution called The Pacific Institute.
The project was launched a couple of years ago, whereby the institute developed a concept aimed at improving the quality of people’s thinking, and it is called “Re-imagine Reiger Park”.
On Sunday, church leaders in the area, the SAPS, CPF and members of the community came together and prayed against the evils in the society.
The prayer procession meant to bring down the powers of darkness over Reiger Park, and uplifting the community, and pastors, along with the police, led hundreds of people who drove along the streets of the area, and stopped at different parks where they prayed from the depths of their hearts for this community scourged by crime.
The prayer began at Dromedaris Primary School. The participants’ vehicles travelled in convoy and wound through the sections known for drugs and gang activities.
They made their way to different areas, where they stopped and prayed.
These include the sections called the Flats, Doubles, Ramaphosa traffic cycle, Cosmos Park and concluded with a prayer at the Reiger Park Shopping Centre.
Church leaders, involving various churches in the area, voiced their concern regarding the recent spike in drug-related crime and acts of violence during the event, adding that, from now onwards, religious leaders will be working together with the police to stop the chaos.
They asked God to comfort and heal all the victims of crime, and prayed too that He protects everyone from evil crime and violence.
The event included distribution of pamphlets containing information about where people who are addicted to dangerous substances can get help.
Police representatives, who were participants in the prayer activities, welcomed the partnership with the church against crime.
During the event, different speakers highlighted the need for Christians throughout Reiger Park to be actively involved in campaigns to uplift the quality of life in the impoverished community.
One of the residents who took part in the prayer, Alicia Simons, said it was time for violence and crime to stop, adding that this is possible provided members of the community unite and fight against crime.
“We must all come together and support each other, take a stand against drugs and violence and protect our children for they are the future,” says Simons.
“I’m confident that our prayers today will make a difference, and I can see that things are slowly changing for the better. If you want change to happen – start with yourself,” concludes Simons.
