Commentary by Sue Forry
Violence has a long reach. No matter where the violence happens, it finds its way into our hearts as we yearn for calm and peace.
Zionsville has felt the sting of violence in recent years. In 2014, a young man who grew up in Zionsville (now living in Broad Ripple) and a member of Zionsville United Methodist Church was attacked, robbed and stabbed as he returned home from work. With quick help, he survived.
In 2015, Chaz Bennington, a long-time employee of Cobblestone Grill and friend of many, was found murdered in his eastside apartment. There have been others that have touched individual families. All of these events did not happen within the Town of Zionsville, but the pain and hurt resonated throughout our community.
Over the past year, ZUMC has been lifting the work of the Indianapolis Ten Point Coalition in prayer and giving support through volunteer hours and financial donations. This organization is a non-profit faith-based group whose mission is to address critical issues and reduce violence in Indianapolis and surrounding areas.
Founded in 1999, Rev. Charles Harrison and other Indianapolis pastors work through the coalition to bring change. Outreach workers walk the streets at night to connect with troubled young people with messages of hope and help to find a better way of life.
Harrison visited ZUMC in January to speak about violence and how the church can help. ZUMC is now officially a Ten Point Church, and we are hosting a prayer initiative at 7 p.m. Sept. 23 that is open to the public to cover the work of the Ten Point Coalition. “The Road to Hope” will feature Harrison, Rev. Charles Ellis of Ten Point and Rev. James Jackson of Fervent Prayer Church.
We have joined other churches in Indianapolis and Gary as partners in this work. Zionsville is the third city in Indiana to have a Ten Point Chapter. This designation comes with a commitment to continue our support through prayer and service.
Sue Forry attends Zionsville United Methodist Church and is helping to lead its Ten Point Ministry along with Rich Richey and Sherman Whitfield.
