In 2009, a New York City youth group passionate for God saw an Atheist Advertisement campaign in the subway system which stated, “A Million New Yorkers Are Good Without God. Are You?” They were so stirred up by this they went to their Youth Pastor who then went to his network of Youth Pastors and leaders to ask, “What are we, as the body of Christ going to do about this?” They prayed and decided to take action and have Youth Ministries from all around the 5 boroughs hold a prayer walk wearing a simple T-shirt which stated “God Belongs in My City”. This powerful act of unity is sweeping the nation and is now set to impact North Carolina.
On Saturday April 14, youth and adults of the Fayetteville, NC community will join this movement in a silent prayer walk throughout the city with one cohesive proclamation – God Belongs In My City! The strategic route will include stops at key benchmarks throughout Fayetteville: The Airborne Museum, Veterans Park, City Hall and the Police Station, The Market House, Fayetteville Public Library and will end at Festival Park with a gospel music concert and free food for the entire community.
“Who can look at the great things happening in our city – a growing economy, an improved transit system, new homes for hundreds in the Hope VI area, and not recognize that God is at work in our city,” states Fayetteville Mayor Anthony Chavonne. “I can’t think of a more exciting effort than for our diverse faith community coming together in April to celebrate God’s many blessings to our city.”
This silent demonstration will not be a day of public evangelism. Walkers will not be engaged any debating, nor have banners, signs or printed materials to hand out. Participants will wear their “God Belongs In My City” T-Shirt as a display of belief.
“The God Belongs In My City Fayetteville vision is to unite churches, civic organizations, businesses and individuals from all denominations, all ages and cultures together to make a decree of faith as one body,” explains Anthony O’Neal, Youth Pastor at Simon Temple Church and event director for GBIMC Fayetteville. “We expect over 6,000 people from over 100 different churches and organizations to take a stance and join this walk. In return, this will empower, strengthen and bring light to our community and set an example of communal partnership for the entire country.”
