Praying for Chester

As the girls and I returned from our walk this morning I noticed the sound of helicopters.  When I looked up I saw two news helicopters hovering over the neighborhood just west of us, known in Chester as the West End.  We don't see helicopters too often, but when we do it is usually for one of three reasons: there is a big fire, there is an accident on the highway, or there is some sort of police activity, usually a shooting.

I didn't see any smoke so I knew it wasn't a fire and the helicopters were facing away from the highway, therefore there was only one possibility left, police activity, most likely a shooting.  My suspicions were confirmed an hour later when Tom returned from handing out camp papers.  There had been a double shooting on 9th Street near the Family Dollar.  It didn't dawn on me until a little later that God protected us today because sometimes the girls and I go by there on our daily walks.

site of the most recent violence

This was just another incident in a week where we have learned that two people we know have been shot at, both are safe and uninjured, and a number of other shootings have occurred.  Many families are being affected by the violence that has already occurred this summer in Chester.  Some cite the violence as one more reason they need to leave Chester, but God won't leave Chester.  He is present here and moving in the hearts of and prayers of the people here who love Him.

Praise:

• Our City: For the safety of our friends who were shot at.
• Our Neighborhood: We have had a number of kids visiting our house this week.
• Our Family: We are so thankful for the two little girls God has blessed us with.  We enjoy watching them grow everyday.

Prayer:

• Our City: Pray for the many families affected by the violence.  Pray also for God's peace to flow through our city's streets this summer.
• Our Neighborhood: Pray for good weather for our Homework Club swimming trip on Monday, July 1.  Continue to pray for the Spirit's leading as we interact with our neighbors.
• Our Family: Pray for rest and Tom and I are adjusting to raising two children.