Simunye, a Zulu word meaning “We are one,” was having a Zoom meeting Wednesday afternoon when the news broke about the protests at the U.S. Capitol and the group immediately felt it needed to somehow respond.
“Being local leaders in the Christian community, we felt the right thing to do is to turn out attention toward God. Our hope is with Him,” said Simunye member Rev. Eli Williams. “We invite the community to pray with us. Prayer is the answer; to turn to God, who is the answer.”
An appropriate Bible scripture from 1 Timothy 2:2 occurred to Williams that they would be praying “…for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
The meeting will be a reminder not to lose hope. Between the challenges of things including the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy and homelessness and this latest distraction, it will be about pointing people toward God to find hope.
Simunye, which also includes Bobby Hile, Ernest Brown and Sam Bryant, was formed three years ago by local ministers who desired to see brotherly love, peace and unity through the body of Christ, according to Williams. They organize local events to bring the people of this community together, including a prayer march for racial justice in the summer of 2020, as well as things such as CultureFest.
To join the meeting, go to the Celebrate Simunye Facebook page.
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