By Oniska Blevins | The Selma Times-Journal

Community members and leaders gathered at Bloch Park Thursday night for the second annual Night of Hope.

Miah Jackson, Ward 3 councilwoman and Night of Hope organizer, said the event turned out exactly as she hoped it would.

“It’s exhilarating, it’s exciting, it’s full of hope and family,” she said. “That’s the type of atmosphere we wanted with this event.”

Dr. Christine Nelson, prophetess and author, was the keynote speaker for the night. She offered words of encouragement and praises to God.

“I feel that if we could just all come together and understand what it means to hope and understand, what it means to put our hope in God, we are going to see a true transformation in this city,” she said.

Nelson said she wants the community to understand that being hopeful has great importance.

“Hope is not wishful thinking,” she said. “Hope is putting your faith in God and trusting and expecting that his will, will be done.”

Although she is a native of Great Britain, Nelson said she is no stranger to Selma and that it feels like home to her.

“I feel like I’m a part of this community, because I have so many dear friends here and I have ministered here so many times,” Nelson said.

Selma Mayor Darrio Melton welcomed Nelson back to the city and because of her ministry and contributions, he extended her a key to the city.

Ray Harrelson, owner of Rayco Industrial, Inc., said he was happy to be in attendance and hopes to see more events like these throughout the community.

“It’s a great event that we’re having here tonight,” he said. “Mrs. Jackson has done a real good job putting this together and we’re looking forward to a big time tonight.”

“All things can happen through Christ. Getting us together and getting to know each other better and praising the Lord together we can’t go wrong.”