(Photo 99335019 © Sasi Ponchaisang | Dreamstime.com)

By Tiffany Goodwein

City-wide prayer happening Monday

Sep 6, 2020 | 8:21 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- Churches across the city will be coming together to host a city-wide prayer night, following the loss of numerous young men in the city to suicide and overdose.

The event will be held Monday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. at Hillcrest Evangelical Missionary church.

Pastor Dave Maneschyn said the tragedy involving several young men in the city including the latest suicide involving a 14-year-old boy, was the driving force behind the event.

“It lit a fire under our butts in terms of we can do more, and we can respond with more unity,” Maneschyn said.

The city-wide prayer night is part of a larger call to action amongst the faith community to do more to help.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

23h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

“First and foremost our response is to just pray and just ask God to just bring hope to the hopeless, and bring joy to the depressed, and bring peace to the distressed and whatnot, and that is what this whole focus is on Monday night is just asking God to move within our city,” Maneschyn said.

When asked about other roles religious institutions can play Maneschyn said creating community and abolishing stigma surrounding mental health are critical steps.

“The importance of community, the importance of feeling surrounded by people who care about you is of utmost importance, and so mixed with the idea of let’s pray, along with the actual action of let’s love one another, and let’s support one another, and let’s be there for one another, hopefully, we can honestly see an end,” he said.

The event is open to everyone, and participants can expect specific prayer points and worship.

Registration will take place at the door in order to ensure COVID-19 regulations are maintained.