40 days of prayer update

While I have my share of struggles living in the Midwest, I don't take for granted the incredible Christian community that thrives here. I recently participated in a "Discovering Richwoods Christian Church 101 class" and my pastor cited a statistic that 50% of Peorians are "churched." To him, that's an overwhelmingly negative statistic. But I thought it was great news, having lived in the Northeast for so many years, where being a Christ follower is such an anomoly.
The mayor of Boston or even Bangor, Maine, would never call for 40 days of prayer to reduce violence. And even if they did, it wouldn't warrant news coverage. I pushed for a religion beat in Maine but was denied, being told it wasn't "relevant." Meanwhile in Peoria, I can't tell you how many pastors and other ambassadors of the Christian faith I interviewed because it speaks to the lives of so many who call Central Illinois home.
Below is an article update from the PJStar on the conclusion of the 40 Days of Prayer. What a blessing!

PEORIA: 40 Days of Prayer concludes

BY MIKE MACIAG of the Journal Star

PEORIA - There's been something out of the ordinary going on at corner of Main Street and Perry Avenue for the past 40 days.

Peorians from all religious backgrounds have gathered for the 40 Days of Prayer at the First United Methodist Church's Community Ministries Center to try to reduce the amount of crime in the city. On Friday night, about 300 people attended the final meeting to worship and pray for peace.

With a recent reduction in crime, they say their efforts are paying off.

"This 40 days of prayer has taken place without one incident," proclaimed the Rev. William Preston, pastor of City on a Hill Church.

In fact, there has not been a single homicide this year, down from four this time last year. The number of sexual assaults, robberies and aggravated assaults also all dropped more than 20 percent last month compared to January 2007, according to the Peoria Police Department.

"The devil is the only guy wishing it was a fluke," Mayor Jim Ardis told the crowd. Ardis got the idea for the prayer service from a similar event that was held in Orlando, Fla.

Although it began as an effort to reduce crime in Peoria, organizers say it has also united different faiths. More than 30 different pastors took turns leading the ceremonies.

The popularity of the event has made organizers decide to continue holding the prayer groups. Services will be March 14 and thereafter on the third Friday of each month at 6 p.m. in First United Methodist Church's community ministries center at 700 Main St. Other prayer groups also plan to meet regularly.

Mike Maciag can be reached at 686-3251 or mmaciag@pjstar.com.