Belmont community members gathered at the Citadel of God Almighty Cathedral Sunday for a prayer service promoting peace and an end to gun violence.

The NYPD says officers took over 500 guns off the streets and made over 300 arrests for the possession of illegal firearms in January of 2024.

Church officials say they are doing their part to discourage gun violence among the youth by keeping them busy, off the streets and involved in activities.

“We're also teaching them to influence their peers and to do positive things,” said pastor Jospeh Famuyide.

A mother who attends the church told News 12 that she has seen it make a positive impact on her own children.

"The most important thing you can do is establish faith in your child, because it really determines how they behave out there. It determines the choices that they make,” said Aderiyiae Sowunmi.

Fourteen-year-old church member Olsubomi Odunsi also recognizes the value in following a religious practice.

"I feel like church gives you the opportunity to distinguish the good from the bad,” Odunsi said.

Pastor Famuyide says they will continue to help the community and pray for the world to become a safer place.