The Latinos Conservative Organization in Gainesville collaborated Saturday with area churches to hold a vigil in recognition of missing 12 year old Maria Gomez-Perez.
Several area pastors, community members, organization leaders and volunteers gathered at the Iglesia TriunFantes de Jesucristo to pray for the safe return of Maria following her disappearance from her home on Westside Drive in Gainesville in late May.
Dinorah Reyes, leader of the Tabernacle Church of Atlanta in Norcross and head organizer of the event, shared with AccessWDUN she was inspired to unite the community in prayer after learning Maria had been missing for three weeks.
“At that point, I felt in my heart, and I will say, the Lord put that deeply in my heart, to unite the people of Gainesville and come in prayer,” Reyes said. “I think that right now, our only solution [will be] prayers.”
LCO President Art Gallegos Jr., also coordinated the assembly. Gallegos emphasized the importance of the community coming together in the search for Maria.
“We want to not only pray, but also unite as one body of Christ and also as a community,” Gallegos told AccessWDUN. “But we're gathered here to keep the faith and motivate other people to keep looking for her and to bring awareness and make sure that we can stay together.”
Gallegos highlighted the LCO has seen several individuals contribute their efforts to bringing attention to Maria’s disappearance, including Stefan Javiarre LeBron Jr., who shared he felt compelled as a parent to help in the search.
“I have to apply the same principles to the situation as if [she] were my own,” LeBron said. “So this is something I have to do. The more people that are involved in this, the more probability we have of bringing her home safely. I don't have to know her to love her and care about her.”
Maria has been missing since May 29. As the Hall County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case, anonymous donors are offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Maria’s safe return.
Anyone who may have information on Maria’s whereabouts is urged to call (770) 503-3232 or email [email protected]. Individuals with tips may also call 911 or Hall County 911/Central Communications at (770) 536-8812. Those offering tips can remain anonymous.
