In the wake of yet another gun-related violence that claimed three lives, one Orlando pastor is speaking out about the need for unity and action to address the ongoing issue of gun violence in the city.

Orlando Pastor Urges Community Action on Gun Deaths

According to a Spectrum News report, Pastor Stovelleo Stovall of the God is Able Outreach Church in Orlando said it is high time for residents to join hands in figuring out how best to tackle the city’s alarming gun violence.

“This is my mission. This is my mission to save souls and to get this city back to The City Beautiful,” Spectrum News quoted Stovall saying.

Pastor Stovall is just one of the many community leaders in Central Florida who are demanding changes in how those in power are addressing mass shootings in the community.

Stovall has a lot riding on his efforts to rally the community behind a shared goal of curbing gun violence in Orlando: his family experienced how it feels to be on the receiving end of it.

Gun Violence Hits Home

The report revealed that Pastor Stovall’s daughter was shot and killed by a still-unnamed suspect three years ago. Until today, police are yet to arrest the person responsible for the death of Stovall’s daughter.

“I had been there for so many other people, and for it to be me now. I had everybody in my arms, and it was just heartbreaking,” the pastor lamented.

As if that was not enough, Pastor Stovall’s grandson was hit by a gunshot during a football match at Jones High School. He explained that the twin tragedies that struck his family made him more invested in his campaign to involve the community in fighting gun violence.

But instead of treating jailed suspects involved in shootings, Stovall opted to take the high road and extend a compassionate stance to them.

Spectrum News disclosed that Pastor Stovall visits convicted shooters in jail and see what he can do to help them. The pastor says his approach seems to work since the convicts open up to him along the way.

A Unified Community Approach To Curbing Gun Violence

Pastor Stovall told Spectrum News that he believes the city has to present its young men with employment opportunities and learning programs to do “specialized work.”

By doing so, he argues, the young Orlando men would be preoccupied with worthwhile activities and have the means to support their families financially. Ultimately, such an arrangement would help keep the Orlando youth out of trouble.

Pastor Stovall also underlined the importance of the city’s leaders being on the same page when it comes to their approach to solving the gun violence in Orlando.

He lamented that there were times when he felt like an unwelcome presence when sitting at the same table with other community leaders, including some of his fellow pastors. Stovall argued that Orlando has to get everyone involved in finding solutions to their shared ordeal, him included.

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