Sydney Mines prays for end to violence
Last Updated: Monday, November 23, 2009 | 8:33 AM AT
CBC News
A rash of suspicious fires, shootings and drug-related violence has spurred a "gathering of hope" in Sydney Mines, N.S.
Nearly 200 people met at an elementary school in the Cape Breton community on Sunday night to pray and sing. The event was organized by all the churches in the area.
For residents such as Rosanne Saunders, when there is prayer, there is hope.
"Maybe the word of mouth will do some good things and create a sense of spirit and a sense of togetherness," said Saunders, adding she wants to help create a more positive community for her 12-year-old daughter.
Sydney Mines is reeling from a recent string of violent acts.
In one case of suspected arson last month, a woman and her daughter managed to escape unhurt from a fire that destroyed their mobile home. It was one of at least a dozen suspicious fires this fall.
A drive-by shooting at a home earlier this month did not injure anyone, either.
Rev. Nick Phillips, minister of Carman United Church, said the local clergy decided it was time to unite residents and try to raise their spirits.
"The town is starting to develop a sense of fear," he said. "We decided as a group of churches we would gather together to respond the only way we could think to respond and that's to lift up this town in prayer to show people that we're not in this alone."
The ministers who organized Sunday's gathering say they plan to hold similar events in the future.
