Praying, working against gun violence

As published in the Weekend Nation, August 11, 2023

An outpour of prayers was offered for Barbados in light of the recent cases of violence during the Tyrese Caesar Foundation’s (TCF) Anti-Gun Prayer Breakfast.

Prayer warriors gathered at the Divi Southwinds Hotel, St Lawrence, Christ Church, to pray for the island, promote peace and break the cycle of violence.

Patrons experienced a lavish breakfast before uniting to hold hands in prayer and participate in a moving worship session.

The sold-out event, held recently, featured worshippers such as Margaret Watson and Ingrid Broomes from Rhema Apostolic Deliverance Ministries International, who prayed for the youth.

Deborah Hall offered prayers against the spirit of violence, Janet Yarde prayed for the nation and Apostle Robert Herbert ministered and facilitated interactive sessions with the guests.

The occasion was also used to launch the foundation’s theme song Break The Cycle, by award-winning gospel artiste, Karen ‘KK’ Proverbs. This was a tribute to founder of the Tyrese Caesar Foundation, Jacqueline Caesar, who lost her son, Tyrese Caesar, due to gun violence last year.

The song encourages young people to end gun violence and petitions God to help people break the cycle of retaliation.

Proverbs also conducted a powerful worship session with Pastor Henderson Quimby on keyboard and Giovanni Riviere on drums.

Within the session, gospel solos were performed, and worshippers sang songs by renowned gospel entertainers, including Our God Is Champion, I Know Who I Am, Counting My Blessings, Rejoice, I Believe, and I Will Worship You.

Caesar said she was thankful for all those who contributed to the success of the prayer breakfast, and added that it will be an annual event.

Since the death of her son, Caesar has launched several initiatives through the foundation to advocate against and bring awareness to the negative impact of gun violence.