Groups Band Together to Stop the Violence | News

BUFFALO, NY - Local churches banded together tonight to spread ketchup on their hotdogs, and prayer throughout their community.

The "Grill and a Prayer" barbecue was held at the corner of Genesee and Doat Streets in Buffalo. It was part of a series of community outreaches sponsored by Urban Christian Ministries and Jericho Road Ministries. The goal: to combat the recent influx of shootings and violence with food and faith.

"We're out here to give out some hotdogs, and just pray for comfort and peace and whatever the community members are going through," said Chris Hammond, a ministry associate with H.I.S BridgeBuilders.

These events began after the numerous shootings that took place earlier this summer in the City of Buffalo. The shootings have had a huge impact on the community, Hammond said.

"Not only is it terribly sad, it just reaps hopelessness and this sense of... why keep moving?"

In light of these events, Hammond and others have decided to be proactive. They believe events like these help the churches establish relationships with the community, and may help to prevent violence in the future.