Prayers for community, peace, love, and unity filled Loop 286 late Sunday afternoon as more than 200 people from the community came together and took part in Encompass 2020.
One of the participants, Teri Hines, said the group wanted to come together to share in unity, “because there is so much division in the world right now.”
“We wanted people to know that we support each other, we love each other and that we’re praying for our city, churches and our leaders,” she said. “Really just pray for peace, and unity, and love, and care.”
Hines said she hopes more people get outside and “out of their comfort zones” to spread love and cheer.
“Everything is so negative and hateful,” she said. “Just go and honk and say ‘we love you, we love Jesus and Jesus loves you’ – love our neighbors.”
Hines wants to encourage people to lean on one another, even during these social-distancing times.
“I know this social distancing is supposed to keep you safe, but sometimes it can isolate you,” Hines said. “You forget you can actually reach out to a friend and help one another. You can still take neighbors a pie.”
Rhonda Reed, Encompass 2020 organizer, said her heart overflowed with the response from so many people and churches.
She said a youth pastor’s group had a group of young ladies pulled over after seeing them praying.
“The young ladies in the car told of their friend in the hospital critically ill,” Reed said. “The prayer warriors circled the car and prayed for healing for their friend.”
Reed said the young ladies possibly would have never stepped inside of a church building to ask for prayer.
“The church has to come outside to be seen,” she said. “For people around to know that we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.”
Hines, wanting to encourage others, said to not be scared during this challenging time.
“Don’t be scared,” she said, “because of all of the isolation and rules, to still have a community within your community. People need each other, more now than ever.”
Photos by Trent Reed/MyParisTexas.com
