After the brutal murder of New York City police officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, I issued a statement asking for prayer for our nation’s law enforcement officers.
Earlier, I and other Pentecostal leaders had asked for prayer for the black community in the United States, as well as our brothers and sisters in the Church of God in Christ, the National Black Fellowship of the Assemblies of God, other black believers, and law enforcement officers.
Recently, Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ, a classical Pentecostal Fellowship with long ties to the Assemblies of God, issued the following statement:
“The brutal execution-style ambush and killing of two New York police officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos is a horrifying tragedy … As Christians we are called to seek peace and pursue justice and to stand in compassion with the grieving families of these brave men who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the community.” (Click here for the full statement.)
Would you join me wholeheartedly in standing with Bishop Blake in his condemnation of violence against police officers? This is a time in our history when the body of Christ has a unique opportunity to intercede for our nation and live as agents of reconciliation. As Sunday School children we sang this song:
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, Black and white,
They are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
Let’s continue to live out the spirit of the song we sang as children. Let’s believe for a great spiritual awakening in 2015 in America and fervently intercede in prayer. The first week of January has been set aside as a week of prayer. So, let’s pray!
George O. Wood is general superintendent of the Assemblies of God.
