Sentinel Watch January 2, 2012 Issue

Interrupt violence before it happens

Maryl Walters

Julie Furbush

While recently reading an article about a civic organization called CeaseFireChicago, I was encouraged to learn about a new model for combating violence. 

CeaseFireChicago has hired more than 350 street-savvy ex-offenders as “violence interrupters.” These individuals are successfully reducing gun-related deaths by preventing violence before it happens. When they hear of violence somewhere in the city, the “interruptors” travel there to prevent retaliation. The article quotes CeaseFire founder Dr. Gary Slutkin as saying, “We have to first stop the thought that violence is an appropriate response. Then we have a chance to help people change their behavior” (faithandleadership.com/features/articles/interrupting-violence).

This concept of interrupting violence before it happens really resonates with me. It reminds me of how I see and experience the power of prayer. Prayer has the power to interrupt the threat of violence, as well as sickness, poverty, and fear, before it gets a foothold. I’ve been thinking about how prayer can address the challenges in our cities. 

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