A different approach to crime concerns

Lately, our city has been under such a negative spotlight.  The violence, gang activity, limited job opportunities and the no-knock controversy has increased citizens’ anxiety and safety concerns.

As a result, there is an increasing lack of trust in the city’s leadership. This is manifesting in marches, rallies, antagonistic comments during city council meetings and community summits.

The leadership at Progressive Outreach Ministry Park (POMP) is taking a different approach to addressing the anxiety and concerns of the community.

We have established a community prayer garden at 601 N. Long St., across from the church. This prayer garden is in a very depressed and poverty-stricken area. The people along this corridor are in need of hope and encouragement.

Everyone has access to the property at any time, day or night.

There is a prayer box where people can leave requests for our prayer team. Even if it is for a few minutes or a couple of hours at a time, POMP prays that being able to come to a safe place will provide that hope and encouragement. Eventually lives will change.

On March 11, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., we will introduce the prayer garden to the community by offering prayer, hot dogs, chips and drinks on site. We would like representation from the city of Salisbury and Salisbury Post.

The leadership of POMP understands that true change takes time. However, the disenfranchised citizens of Salisbury need to know that the city cares about their plight and hears them.

Representation at this gathering is a great way to show this in a non-confrontational setting.

We need your presence!

— Esther Atkins Smith

Salisbury