New York's Prayer Stations in London After BombingN
New York's Prayer Stations Go to London in Bombings' Wake - July 28, 2005
28/07/2005 12:00 am
New York City, NY- July 28, 2005
On July 7, 2005, terror struck three of London's tube stations and a double-decker bus with coordinated bomb blasts. Many in London worried about the fate of their loved ones. Perhaps better than most, New Yorkers understood the anxiety in every Londoner's heart that day. That day, six people living in New York, remembered the support London had offered New York City in their time of grief, and knew it was their chance to return the favor. On August 7, these six people, (from Korea, Holland, Britain and 3 from America) will travel from New York City to London to offer comfort to the people of London through a listening ear and praying for their needs. Once there, they will attempt to set up 'Prayer Stations' outside the entrances of King's Cross, Edgeware, and Liverpool Street stations-the bombing sites-and offer prayer for commuters.
"We will be going to London representing the people of NYC to say thank you for all the support we received from Londoners during the time of 9/11," reflects Nick Savoca, who initiated these Prayer Stations. Savoca is the leader of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Metro New York and will be traveling to London with the team. YWAM is an international interdenominational Christian organization which has been in existence for more than 40 years. "By and large we do expect a warm reception [in London]. I think London will respond much like New Yorkers did."
'Prayer Stations' have had a successful story in New York City since its beginning in 1992. When the Twin Towers collapsed on September 11th, these 'Prayer Stations' became a source of strength and hope for New Yorkers struggling to cope with the unexpected tragedy. During that year (until September 2002), 50,000 people were prayed for at the Prayer Stations. People from various States in America have come to New York to be a part of this unique ministry.
The concept of the Prayer Stations is simple. Set up in strategic locations, the station is portable chairs, a table and a red banner which says "Prayer Stations". Volunteers pass out pamphlets which announce the Prayer Station ahead, while others stand at the booth praying for those who stop. Following the success of Prayer Stations in New York City, this concept has spread throughout North America, and has been taken to the Philippines, India, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Singapore, Niger, Russia, Kenya and throughout Central and South America.
The six YWAM New York Metro volunteers will remain in London from August 7-14. 4 hours (or more if needed) will be spent each day at the three tube stations in London. Churches in London as well as YWAM London will continue with the Prayer Stations after the departure of the YWAM New York Metro team leaving behind New York City's answer to London in their time of need.
