YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Churches, Clergy, and Community Leaders come together to pray for everyone to stop the violence as 5 young people lost their lives too soon in Youngstown. 
 
This site of a popular dinner spot on the city's south side is where one of the victims Amya Monserrat, who was not the intended target was shot and killed.
 
Youngstown's Police Chief says the city is working on multiple fronts to reduce and stop violence.
 
"My hope is I won't get that call in the middle of the night any more that a 15 year old child was shot and killed while attending a sweet 16 party. That is my wish," Youngstown Police Chief Carl Davis said.
 
The prayer service kicked off the Stop the Violence walks throughout the city that begin in June.
 
Pastor Kenneth Simon says stopping the violence will take getting neighbors and businesses to join in.  And taking God's love. word, and prayer outside church walls.
 
"It's a multi-faceted approach. It's not only the prayers, it's the mentoring component to the campaign. It's the mediation, it's the parenting component," Pastor Simon said.
 
Simon explained that businesses and residents can call to  pick up signs to show their support for the stop the violence walks, mentorship programs and other positive activities such as parenting classes to help you be the best parent you can be.
 
The Prayer Rally is held  prior to summer when the temperatures rise and so do tempers, retaliation and revenge.
 
Several pastors said prayers for peace and for an end to a spirit of murder, rebellion, and anger.
 
"It's not just about the person you hurt. Somebody has a mother, somebody has a father, somebody has children and it is up to us to be the voice of one crying in the wilderness telling people to put down those guns. Our people's blood is crying from the ground," Pastor and Lead Organizer for ACTION Jeffrey Stanford said.
 
 
You can look for information to join the, "Stop the Violence," walks on the New Bethyl Baptist Church Facebook page.