Lifting their hands to the heavens, worshipers at the Holy Trinity Church of God in Reading, pleaded for an end to the violence in the city.
The spiritual rally for peace comes on the heels of the city's recent double homicide in the 600 block of N. 11th Street.
Police has since arrested Johnny T. Branford and charged him in connection with the crime.
Investigators said at the end of January, Branford stabbed and killed his 52-year-old father, and strangled his 74-year grandmother, Mary.
"For someone take their own parent's life, that's unbelievable," said Kevin Flowers, who was friends with the suspect's father.
Many said Mary Branford was also a generous, giving spirit.
"She would help in any way she could. She would help you," said pastor Gerald Prentice, Jr.
For friends of the victims, the pain is still deep. But they also said their faith is a very bright light during these dark times.
"And it really touched my heart to ask: 'Lord, what can I do?' He said: 'Get the people together and pray for the city,'" said pastor Prentice.
And during the service, worshipers prayed for everyone from the mayor to the teachers and students in the Reading school district.
"Prayer is the answer for everything," said Regina Prentice-Copland.
A similar service is set for next Friday at the church, located at 130 West Button St. in Reading.
from 69News:Home http://ift.tt/1AtPD9I
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