The following was written by Paul Hoffman, Pastor at EFC Newport.

Based on the shootings last week in Baton Rouge, St. Paul and Dallas, and the heated Presidential campaign, I am convinced now more than ever, events in America are reaching a crescendo. 

 
It seems we’ve entered a “Kairos” moment, a cultural Zeitgeist. 
 
The Holy Spirit is showing our nation the ONLY way to heal our sins (which are many) and heal our many divides, is the power of the Cross through prayer. 
Indeed we all know 

2 Chronicles 7:14 New Living Translation (NLT)

14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

**Now we have the honor and privilege to live this out during this turbulent time!
 
As you may be aware, I felt burdened to call an impromptu prayer meeting on Friday July 8 at Noon at Newport City Hall (I am truly sorry if I didn’t invite you personally… It was thrown together).
I was blown away when over 50+ people from over 6 churches showed up and prayed for an hour. Also, the media showed up to film the event, including ABC6 News and WPRI 12. 
 
After the prayer meeting I thanked them for coming but they thanked us for praying.  I gleaned from this our culture is hungry to find a positive and uniting foundation.
 
 
As Jesus said….

Matt 5: 13-15 Teaching about Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

**Now we have the honor and privilege to live this out during this turbulent time! 
 
So please join me in praying for our country every Thursday at Noon in front of Newport City Hall from July 21 through the election. If you cannot come, please promote it with your congregations and encourage them to be in prayer at noon on Thursdays wherever they are.
 
And may God, by His grace, heal our land.
 
In the mighty name of Jesus,
 
Paul Hoffman

Ryan Belmore is the Owner and Publisher of What'sUpNewp. Although not the founder or original owner, Belmore has been with What'sUpNewp since its early beginnings in 2012.

Belmore was born in Providence, Rhode Island; grew up and graduated high school in Coventry, Rhode Island; and lived in Newport, Rhode Island for more than ten years. He currently serves as Vice President of the Board Of Directors for Fort Adams Trust and on the Board of Directors for Potter League For Animals.

He and his wife, Jen, as well as their two dogs (Aero and June), recently moved to Alexandria, Virginia. Belmore travels back and forth to Newport every couple of weeks to cover events, work on story ideas, to meet with What'sUpNewp's on-the-ground contributors, to visit friends, and to eat as much seafood as possible.

Belmore is a member of Local Independent Online News Publishers, Society of Professional Journalists, and the North American Snowsports Journalists Association.