For Immediate Release: Opa-locka, Florida, December 19, 2008 — St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church, 15000 Northwest 27th Ave, Opa-locka, in cooperation with the City of Opa-locka Police Department, Miami-Dade County, Florida Highway Patrol, along with other partnering agencies, churches and businesses, will host a Gun Buy Back Initiative on Saturday, December 20, 2008, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This effort is an attempt to help curtail the increasing level of gun violence that is occurring in the North Dade area. The Honorable Commissioner Barbara Jordan (Miami-Dade) and Mayor Joseph Kelly (Opa-locka), have given this initiative great support. Opa-locka Police Chief Rodney Ballentine said, “It is efforts of this type at the community level that contribute in the fight against violent crimes in our City and surrounding areas. Please join us Saturday.”
The New Years holiday is a time where many guns may be used in celebration of the occasion, contrary to safety and law. Some of these same guns have also been used in criminal activity throughout the area. It has been often said that “change does not happen from the top down; change happens from the bottom up.” Therefore, our aim is to help take some of these weapons off the streets, out of the hands of criminals, and out of circulation all together.
When participating in the Gun Buy Back Initiative, there are two important guidelines that the public needs to follow:
1. All firearms must be transported UNLOADED and in the trunk of the vehicle, or in a container or box if walking.
2. Vehicle must enter the north side of the church property at N.W. 151st Street, just before NW 27th Ave.
To make donations to the Initiative or to obtain more information, please contact the church at 305-688-3510 or email the office at info@standrewmbc.org.
About St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church:
St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church is a fellowship of Christian believers who are committed to their call of service to Christ and the community. Dr. Larry T. Walthour II, serves as the Senior Pastor-Teacher and has great ties to the City of Opa-locka, Miami Gardens and the surrounding municipalities.
Event Contact: Opa-locka P.D. Contact:
Dr. Larry T. Walthour II Mark Lipof, Public Information Officer
Senior Pastor-Teacher 954-701-6275 (Cell)
305.688.3510 mark@lipof.com
