Interfaith Prayer Vigil
Remembering homicide victims and survivors

Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Seminary


The next Columbus area Interfaith Prayer Vigil for homicide victims will be on
Sunday, February 21 at 5:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Seminary (on the corner of College Ave. & Main St. in Bexley, Ohio).

Apostle Hoard from Ephphatha Outreach Ministries will lead the vigil.

Five victims will be remembered in next Sunday's vigil in Columbus (Bexley):
Jere S. Ketcham age 52
Donald Ayers age 31
Abel Hernandea age 21
Dawann T. Jones age 24
Billy E. Howard age 55

Vigil attendees will remember homicide victims and will pray for an end to murders in the Columbus area. The goal of the monthly vigils is to bring awareness to the community about the affects of violence in our community, and to bring comfort to family and friends of homicide victims.

The prayer vigils are hosted by the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence,a non-profit organization working to prevent gun violence through education and public awareness.

All are welcome and encouraged to join us to choose non-violence.


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Pastor Shot Blocks from Proposed Columbus Shooting Range


Columbus Billy E. Howard was shot to death on Tuesday evening while shoveling snow in front of his house in Columbus Driving Park neighborhood. A small business owner and volunteer minister, he was 55 years old.[1]

In the wake of this tragedy, neighbors can expect even more gunfire in the neighborhood, if an embattled shooting range and gun store is allowed to open nearby. Neighborhood groups are currently fighting to stop a shooting range from opening at 1030 Alum Creek Drive. This is approximately 2,500 feet, or three city blocks, away from Mr. Howard's residence at 982 Bulen Ave.

Toby Hoover of Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence said, "Most importantly we extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Billy Howard. And once again we call on government to speak for the people instead of the money. Each year, guns kill over 30,000 people in the United States and an average of 1000 in Ohio. Another 80,000 people are shot and injured, leaving physical and emotional scars that last for years. This community and its families are asking for safety not another gun source in their neighborhood."

[1] http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/02/11/homicide-snow-shovel.html?sid=101