Michael Elliott coordinates prayer vigils for homicide victims

By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer

“Prayer vigils for victims of homicides in the St. Joseph County area were organized 30 years ago by the United Religious Community,” Michael Elliott, of South Bend, explained.

“Some local pastors and concerned citizens wanted to relay the message that people in the community were concerned about the level of violence and were behind the victim and their family and friends. My mom, Billie Elliott, was the coordinator of these vigils for 12 years. I took over the ministry and have been the coordinator for the last 18 years.”

Elliott is thankful for emails.

“Mother used to call 100 people each time a homicide happened,” he said. “After I find a location for the vigil, I then email everyone concerned with the date. They are always held on a Thursday at 5:30 p.m.”

Sometimes, the local media helps get the word out. Occasionally, newspeople attend the vigils.

“Several pastors lead the vigil and those present get a printed outline. We have responsive prayer as well as an open prayer time,” he noted.

“I wait until the family has had time to have the funeral or memorial service right after the incident. For example, there was a homicide at 3 a.m. Easter morning in downtown South Bend. We held the vigil Thursday, April 20. That way the family has time to process what has happened.”

Elliott believes that when someone is murdered, it’s like throwing a rock into a pond.

“The ripples of violence touch the family, friends and coworkers of the victim in a negative way,” he said. “But those of us in the prayer community believe the deceased had value. The ripples we sent out are ripples of hope to those who are grieving.”

Elliott admits coordinating the vigil is not hard.

“I’m there when needed,” he said. “However, the heaviness of the incident moves my heart greatly. Back in March, we

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But the joy he feels in giving to the community makes his labor sweet.

“I truly believe this is a needed service. It sends a very positive message out,” he said.

Elliott grew up in the Methodist church.

“After my father passed away, my wife and I attended with my mother,” he said. “I have a network of Christians I work with on our on-site prayer vigils.”

As a matter of fact, it was the ministers and people involved in the community prayer vigils that helped Elliott through his own grief.

“My wife passed away a year and a half ago. I recently lost my mother-in-law. Those praying Christians were there for me. As a matter of fact, they are the people who carry me through rough times,” Elliott said.

His Christian faith also helps him through these rough years of his life.

“When I am suffering loss, it’s somewhat like body blows. I turn to Psalm 139, the verses we also use in our vigils: ‘Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? When I awake, I am still with you.’ I’m never alone. God is always with me. That’s a comfort to me.”

He concluded, “Our prayer vigils give families a time of closure, a time of hope.”

To be added to Elliott’s contact list, email him at ellspouses@att.net.

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