FLINT (WJRT) -- (05/30/10) -- Flint area churches announced they'll join police and volunteers to approach those committing crimes in the city.

Sunday, church leaders rallied up support from their members. 

As he does every Sunday, Reverend Ira Edwards had a message for his congregation. 

But this week, Edwards is asking church members to join him in the war on crime. "You are the city. The city is not just outside your door. You are the city. When the city is falling down, it doesn't mean downtown is not doing it's job, it means you're not doing your job." 

Damascus Holy Life Baptist Church, which is on the city's northeast side, is one of dozens of churches called on to help with the new 'Cease Fire' project in Flint. 

Edwards is passionate about the cause. "We all have to come together. Churches on the southside, northside, westside ... to come together and be able to work in the communities." 

When Church Member Martray Mayes was asked how this initiative will help bring the effort outside of the church walls and onto the streets of Flint, she answered, "We're hoping. We're hoping. That's all we can do." 

Church Member Brenda Harrison has faith in what the church can do. "The churches are a very powerful force in the city ... They've got to step up their game and really work together."

The church members are putting their hope in an effort that could begin to change a community with a history of violence.