Aug. 27--STOCKTON -- First Baptist Church senior Pastor Jim Dunn stood in front of a capacity crowd at the Lakeview Assembly of God on Sunday night, and with light music in the background as he spoke, prayed for Stockton police officers.
He asked the congregation to pray for the officers nightly, that they make it home safe after every shift during a time when Stockton crime is escalating and violence is rampant.
"When you see the black-and-whites patrolling your streets, the officers need to know that you are supporting them and praying for them," Dunn said.
Dunn's prayer opened a church service that doubled as an event, Honoring the Stockton Police Department, for a new group called Shock, Reviving a City. The group is led by chaplains and officers in partnership with local churches that want to show support for the city's crime-fighting force.
"What this is, it's the church is breaking down walls and letting the police department know that we're in this together," said Chaplain Jim Reid, noting that Stockton police has 35 chaplains who are also pastors in Stockton.
"This is an ongoing effort. We'll be going to a church on the last Sunday of every month and encourage people to get outside the walls and into the community with the power of Jesus," Reid added. Sunday's event at Lakeview Assembly was attended by hundreds and started with music and dancing in the crowd. Members of the congregation said they were thrilled to get involved with Shock.
"Absolutely. This church is always there for a cause and to be there for support," said Chris Buzo, 26.
Reid said he believes the effort to engage churches to get out into the community could help prevent crimes, and eventually lessen the burden on the police department.
Contact reporter Keith Reid at (209) 546-8257 or [email protected]. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/lodiblog.
Copyright 2012 - The Record, Stockton, Calif.
