Stories from the 2009 Campaign
Some 130 congregations and organizations in at least 3 countries, 33 states in the U. S. and Puerto Rico participated in this year's campaign for the International Day of Prayer for Peace on September 21, 2009. Of that number, there were at least 55 congregational observances, 38 public vigils, and 8 listening projects. Some churches held both congregational observances on Sunday, September 20, and then joined with other churches in their communities in public vigils. Several of the public vigils had more than 10 other churches participating.
Many churches prayed about local economic conditions, immigration issues, or religious tolerance, while others prayed for relief from local violence involving gangs or guns. Still others prayed for peace in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some held prayer walks, asking God to help them see their neighborhoods in new ways. Others planted peace poles, which expressed blessings of peace in several languages. Still others held concerts and theater presentations. Some events were celebrations, while others were solemn assemblies. Everywhere people prayed for God's presence in their lives and in their communities.
These are their stories:
Heeding God's Call, Philadelphia, PA
