Proof that prayer works
Police Chief Bordeleau notes a “dramatic reduction in crime”
Craig Macartney
Spur Ottawa Writer
The men of Pine Grove Bible Church have held weekly prayer walks in their community for more than a year, and the impact of those prayers is now profoundly obvious. Local residents took to the streets on Sunday, April 9, to celebrate what Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau called, “a dramatic reduction in crime”.
Jasmine Crescent is a part of the Beacon Hill neighbourhood known for significant crime. Three young men were murdered on Jasmine Crescent, only blocks from the church, between April 2015 and March 2016.
Pine Grove hosted a prayer vigil at the site of the third murder last year, but it was only part of their ongoing prayer mission for their neighbourhood.
“We really believe that prayer can change the temperature, the climate, and the lives [of those in the area],” says Pine Grove member Wesley Moore. “That’s what our prayer walks are really centred around.”
For some time, the congregation has felt a strong call to Beacon Hill.
“The trend shows that the violent crimes, gang-related offences, drugs, and theft have for the most part decreased.”
“One thing we really felt is where it says in Jeremiah to work for the peace and prosperity of the city you find yourself in and to pray to God for its welfare,” Moore explains. “So to hear that the stats are changing, that crime is down and prosperity is up, that is encouraging.”
And the statistics for the area are very clear.
In the last year, drug-related offences and property crimes both dropped about 15 percent. While the number of assaults increased slightly, instances of actual violence causing bodily harm decreased by 63 percent. There have been no murders on Jasmine Crescent since the prayer vigil.
“The trend shows that the violent crimes, gang-related offences, drugs, and theft have for the most part decreased,” says Ottawa Police spokesman Brad Burleau. “Theft calls have increased in the Beacon Hill South region, however, only six calls to police were made involving theft within the past year. These consisted of minor theft from vehicles, theft under $5,000, and a theft from a locker.”
“Is prayer the only reason?” Moore asks, “No, absolutely not. We’ve been working with the city and community-safety committee to help address this concern.”
The Ottawa Police also did a number of outreach initiatives. They introduced a neighbourhood watch program and worked on crime-prevention initiatives with community groups.
“Underlying it all, our prayer is that Christ’s glory would shine and that people would receive Him.”
“But certainly, from our view,” Moore adds, “everything begins and ends in prayer. Without it we have very little power to effect change for God’s kingdom.”
While the church is encouraged by the positive report, Pine Grove elder Les Woolsey says it doesn’t change their mission or focus. They want to see Christ touching lives and people developing a personal relationship with Him.
“Underlying it all, our prayer is that Christ’s glory would shine and that people would receive Him. I was encouraged to see more churches participating this year [in the April 9 community celebration]. More churches are reaching out and aware this is an area that needs prayer.”
While more churches are jumping on board, Moore says there is always room to grow.
“I would encourage other churches to pray about what local mission looks like to them and how they can partner with what God is doing around them. [Change happens when you] partner with God through prayer and try to walk alongside Him to do it.”
Similar Articles
East Gate Alliance offers free Christmas concert
East Gate Alliance Church is hosting a free concert featuring local worship artist Colin Bernard. The concert is taking place this Friday, December 18, starting at 7 p.m. “We’re taking all the chairs out of the sanctuary and putting in some tables with candles, so it will […]
Boys: Why are they falling behind at school?
Did you notice that most of the medals Canada won at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil were won by women? Margaret Wente, an opinion columnist for the Globe and Mail, made the same observation in […]
A tale of two churches
Right in the heart of Manotick, near the library and the pool, sits a former medical building. Although the building is under renovations, its original purpose of bringing healing to the community is being well preserved. The building is being turned into […]
Global prayer movement inspires unity
Ottawa believers joined tens of thousands across the world on Pentecost Sunday to celebrate the Global Day of Prayer—an event that set the record for the largest prayer rally in human history […]
Heroes of the stitch
Some of those most vulnerable to COVID-19 are also among the least talked about: the homeless. Without stable places to go for self-isolation, the risk of rapid spread among Ottawa’s homeless population is significant. Ordinary citizens, many from Ottawa’s Christian […]
Bethel baptizes 13 people during pandemic
“God doesn’t stop working, He is still saving!” That is the testimony Rob Olson will remember when the pandemic has past. Nothing can stop the life-changing power of the cross […]