By Karen Vance
Enquirer contributor

For six years, members of Peace Baptist Church in Avondale have been bringing the gospel to the streets.

This year, Senior Pastor Gregory Chandler will bring the message of street ministry to other Baptist ministers in Cincinnati.

Each day next week from 4 to 5 p.m., Chandler and Baptist ministers from five churches in Avondale, Evanston, Madisonville, Walnut Hills and the West End will preach on a street corner as part of the Cincinnati Baptist Ministers' Conference.

"There's a lot of crime in this city, and a lot of unwanted things in our neighborhoods. Our churches and pastors felt it was time to do a little more and build relationships with people who live around our churches," Chandler said.

"We have to show people they have value to their life and the life of the people around them. If they have God in their hearts, maybe they won't kill and rob and steal and degrade each other."

The Baptist conference meets daily next week from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Greater New Hope Baptist Church, 3655 Harvey Ave. in Avondale, with evening revival services at various churches.

On Saturday, the conference will host a Youth Power Summit from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the church. Pastor Jim Vickers of Ebenezer Second Baptist Church in Lincoln Heights said the ministers expect 400 to 600 youths.

"We hope that they walk away feeling empowered and knowing that they can make a difference," Vickers said.

National Day of Prayer

Millions of Americans will observe the 52nd annual National Day of Prayer Thursday.

In Clermont County, a service will be held at noon at the Courthouse, including a Bible reading by elected officials, prayer by area pastors and patriotic music. At 7 p.m., there will be a prayer walk at Veterans Park, Union Township.

In Butler County, the Lakota Prayer Breakfast will be from 6:15 to 7:45 a.m. at the West Chester Church of the Nazarene, 7951 Tylersville Road. There will also be prayer around the flagpole at the West Chester Police Department, 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, at noon.

Contact individual churches for events.

Focus on family

Lakota Christian Church, 2962 Hamilton-Mason Road, is hosting a four-Sunday focus on family life. It starts this Sunday at 10:45 a.m. with a sermon about commitment.

On May 18, the church will host a seminar at 9:30 a.m. on blending families.

Muslim office opening

The Council on American Islamic Relations will open a Cincinnati office May 3 with a banquet from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Este Conference Center, 6279 Este Ave. The nonprofit organization is geared to presenting a positive image of Muslims and Islam.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. For reservations, call (614) 451-3232 or e-mail ohio@cair-net.org.

To submit religion news, e-mail kvance@fuse.net or send fax to 755-4150.