Politicians on Oklahoma City's east side are calling for a peaceful response to the wave of gun violence. A peace march is taking place in the city this weekend. A pastor from northeast Oklahoma City lost a friend to gun violence and sees it as his duty to stop the violence and help those affected.
Pastor Bernett Sanders shares his faith with his congregation at Glory Bound Ministries Church of God in Christ in Spencer. Sanders said faithful words are especially needed now – in a month marred by multiple shootings across OKC.
“I just want the violence to stop,” Sanders said.
On the night of August 9, Devontia Robinson allegedly shot Sherratt Johnson and injured another victim at the Dunjee Apartments, down the street from Sanders' church.
“I got a call,” Sanders said. “I just couldn't believe it.”
Johnson lost his life. He was 49 years old.
“He was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Sanders said. “He wasn't a churchgoer, but he was a terribly good person.”
Rev. Demetrious Thomas Jr. grew up in Johnson's neighborhood. He knows the pain of violence, but he says his congregation is not defined by such moments.
“The good outweighs the bad,” Thomas said. “We're tired of seeing kids being gunned down on their way to the store. We're tired of it – but we know we have the power to change it.”
Sanders and Thomas advocate for their community through the United Communities Outreach program.
“I want to go out there and tell them, 'Hey, we care about you and we love you,'” Thomas said.
The program takes this conversation about faith to the streets. Thomas said faith is what drives their peace – it's where they find their hope.
“There is hope because there is a God we serve,” Thomas said.
On Saturday, community members will gather at the Ralph Ellison Library on 23rd Street for a peace march. The march begins at 1 p.m. Pastor Sanders plans to serve meals on September 14 to spread peace in the community.
