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As reported in the M.E.N this week, Tuesday 11th November 2008, saw members of several communities meeting in Old Trafford to seek a solution to Manchester’s gun and gang problems. St. Bride’s church hosted the first in a monthly series of Urban Miracle events to reflect on gun and gang issues, which will happen on the second Tuesday or every month.
Joe Malaika, Chair of Old Trafford Independent Advisory Group and a community volunteer who is helping to organise the event said, “We are welcoming people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to visit, reflect and pray about this important issue in different ways according to their comfort level — for example, by lighting candles, writing, verbal prayers, meditation, written quotations and simple quiet moments.”
The event aims to give visitors a calm, neutral space with several displays set up to help facilitate prayer for young people, their families, the agencies that work with them, and the community as a whole.
Joe Malaika added, “The title of this event comes from the belief that if across the city people are praying, a miracle will occur as people’s hearts are changed and awareness is raised so that there will be less gun and gang violence, more positive expressions of community, and young people using their energy positively. We hope that other communities, cities and groups will have similar meetings and spread the movement across the UK.”
For more information please contact Joe Malaika on 07903 102 620 or e-mail boldsista@hotmail.com
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