Most of the Internet is probably aware of the looting and rioting that happened in Baltimore the other night. I don’t know how many are aware of the peaceful protests that the media didn’t cover. But I have a little bit of Hope to share that the media definitely will not tell you about. I grew up in Maryland, my grandmother and many family members and friends live in and around Baltimore, and I have many fond childhood memories in that area. This is why I’m sharing this.
This is Chris Pautrat, husband of one of my oldest friends in Maryland. I just want to share it with those of you who have seen the news but only get the media’s word on what’s going on in Baltimore. In another post, he shared this:
Met some of the friendly gang members today and show them the love of Jesus. Not one person denied prayer from us. I saw NO racism at all today. The only person I wanted to choke was a fire and brimstone preacher that basically told everyone to go to hell. All in all it was an epic night. #alllivesmatter #lovewins #peaceoverbaltimorecity #knowJesusknowpeace #blacklivesmatter #peacefullyprotest #picstitch“
Ground zero on North Street praying people everywhere.
Posted by Chris Pautrat on Tuesday, April 28, 2015
My hope is that we can all learn the boldness and be filled with the love to reach out to our own cities and towns, because real people showing love to others can accomplish SO much more than government or policy or big budgets ever could. And there is so very much that needs to be done.
In case you can’t play the video, he says, “Hey guys, we’re here in North Street in East Baltimore. Right there behind me, as you can see, there’s a row of cops, swat teams out, and we’re just here releasing Jesus’ peace, and just praying for people. People are so open to the gospel. I’ve met some of the nicest people here. But they’re just upset. They’re not hurt. We’re here saying that Jesus has heard every cry you’ve had. We’re just loving on them, and I’m telling you that things are starting to shift down here. We’re just continuing to pray for peace. Join us as we’re down here for the next hour or so praying for more people that we have divine connections. We’ve already had an amazing time and so much fruit for the little that we’ve done. Thank you all, bye.”