Called to the Kingdom to pray against crime and violence
AT least one watch night service will happen outside a church building this New Year’s Eve.
The year-old Christian movement Called to the Kingdom will hold its watch night service – praying to rid the island of crime and violence – at Mandela Park in Kingston.
And while scores of its members will be praying for an end to crime, at least 20 more will be answering telephones in a telethon to raise money for specific needs of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
“So it’s not just prayer,” said Called to the Kingdom’s founder, Carole Gordon. “We’re also trying to find practical ways to help fight crime.”
Gordon, who said the organisation had not placed a dollar value on the expected yield of the telethon, noted that she has been in contact with the JCF to get an idea of their needs.
“[This will] help us to feel that we are a part of fighting the crime,” she said.
For its efforts, Called to the Kingdom has received the endorsement of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. In a statement to the organisation, she said it demonstrates “that our young people not only feel the anguish and experience the suffering caused by crime and violence, but are prepared to do something to bring about a change”.
Called to the Kingdom has been conducting a national prayer walk and fasting as part of its own efforts to help fight crime and violence.
