INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Amazing Grace Christian Church hosted the annual prayer vigil Monday evening called Prayers For Our City.
The event was open to the public, and IMPD, Community and church leaders gathered not just for prayers but also for creating a space for healing and reflection.
Jamaican Baens lost his mom March 2024. He said her death was ruled a homicide. “I believe in the power of prayer I believe it’s a wonderful thing. We all just thank God for allowing us to still be here.”
He attended the vigil to be with community and he told News 8 that he’s found peace.
According to IMPD, there have been 136 homicides so far year, which includes murders, self-defense, and accidental deaths. IMPD said murders from January to September this year are down 24%, compared to 2024. They added that nonfatal shootings, robberies and violent crimes are also down.
Despite the decrease, leaders here are united against all violence. They want to show the community that they are unified in making Indianapolis a safer place.
Bishop Preston T. Adams III, pastor at Amazing Grace, said, “Prayer is a way for us to be able to deal with our anxieties and stresses of life to offer ourselves hope and also to let others who are struggling with matters of life know that someone cares.”
Adams said he wants Indy residents to know their community is here that it is open to anyone whether they are religious or not.
IMPD Chaplain John Russell visits crime scenes. He shared that the hardest part of his job is to let family know that their loved ones were killed. “One of the things that we can do for this city is walk with that person in some of the hardest times of their life. One is just knowing that someone cares and loves them and that’s encouraging for a lot of people today.”
IMPD Chief Chris Bailey, residents and church leaders comforted each other through moments of silences and prayers. Two women were seen locked in an embrace.
Baens has a message for anyone else who lost a loved one: “Stay positive. Keep praying. God won’t take you through nothing you can’t handle.”
