Trayvon Martin Prayer Vigil--St. James United Methodist Church, April 1, 2012

Waco Friends of Peace members participated in the Prayer Vigil Sunday afternoon 3pm at St James United Methodist Church.   Several of us joined about 120 people at this moving and spirited remembrance of Trayvon and emphatic call for justice.  Rev. Valda Jean Combs began the vigil and a prayer was offered by Rabbi Gordon Fuller of Congregation Agudath Jacob.  The choir led the group in upbeat and powerful music, and the congregation responded vigorously.  Several symbolic hoodies were observed in the crowd.  A moving poem was recited by two young men, one white and one African-American.  The Honorable Lester Gibson introduced the keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Michael A. Bell, Pastor of Greater St. Stephen First Church, Fort Worth.  Rev. Bell delivered a fiery and timely speech, outlining steps the audience can take to help ensure justice for Trayvon.  He encouraged the crowd to make noise about Martin's death, continue meeting about the issue, and keep the faith.  Pastor Charley Garrison of the Central Texas Metropolitan Community Church concluded the event by calling for equality and justice for all. He remarked: "I am tired and sickened by the treatment of the Trayvon Martins of the world who are black, Jewish, Islamic, HIV-positive, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. We are all God's children."