Faith & Blue Connects Community in Worship

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The annual Faith & Blue event filled Ronnie A. Dixon City Park with songs of praise to God on Monday, October 6, as community members and law enforcement officers united in fellowship and worship.

The event is usually held annually by the Lyons Police Department and Lyons Police Chief Wesley Walker, who began hosting the national event locally six years ago after hearing the stories of the positive outcomes within communities that had taken part in the event.

Faith & Blue is an annual nationally celebrated event created in 2020 to improve the bonds between law enforcement officials and the community through a combined worship event. These tighter bonds help to create safer and more secure neighborhoods, as every individual understands the importance of looking out for each other, and trust is deepened in each other.

This year, the Lyons and Vidalia Police Departments came together to host the event, and chose to bring in two Christian music artists to perform. “Normally, we have local people to lead worship, but I wanted to do something special,” Walker emphasized about the decision.

Jonathan Taylor – a Capitol Christian Music Group Label singer/ songwriter – electrified the stage, as he led attendees to sing and dance in worship through his nationally recognized hits “Freedom in this House,” “You Get the Glory,” “See A Victory/ What A Beautiful Name,” and “Ain’t Nobody Mad But the Devil.”

Rising Christian Music Artist Colleen McKenna also took the stage, as her blend of country music’s style and Christian music’s faith reminded the audience that faith can be woven into every aspect of life. Covering Carrie Underwood’s classic, “Jesus Take the Wheel,” and Jenn Johnson’s single, “Goodness of God,” – and sharing her own songs, “Revival” and “Talk About That,” – McKenna took the crowd to church, as blended voices of law enforcement officers and community members filled the air with song.

Leaders from Vidalia and Lyons each addressed the crowd, while Lyons Faith Assembly of God Pastor Joseph Akins shared a message of hope and unity in Christ. Vidalia Mayor Doug Roper commented on the event on behalf of the city. “I want to say how much I appreciate the job that Wesley has done to make this event bigger and better every year,” he began. “God’s Word says that ‘Where two or more people gather in My Name, I am there also.’ When our hearts are working in one accord, He will be here tonight.”

Roper continued, “To Vidalia Police Department, Lyons Police Department, [Toombs County Sheriff’s Office] – we appreciate you men and women and what you do every day for us. We are thankful that you serve in the capacity that you do.”

Chief Walker also shared his gratitude for all who supported the event, as he emphasized the importance of the partnership between the law enforcement agencies and the community. “Ask any of these law enforcement officers – we cannot do our job without you, the public. We need you guys to be our eyes and ears, to let us know what is going on out there in the community and to help us police the community,” he emphasized.

Faith & Blue is held annually within the area, and will return next year to continue to unite the community.

A NECESSARY PARTNERSHIP – Lyons Police Chief Wesley Walker explains that it is necessary that the community and local law enforcement officers have a good partnership, as both have to work together to make the community safe.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

THANKING LAW ENFORCEMENT – Lyons Mayor Willis Ne-Smith Jr. thanks law enforcement officers for their service and protection during the 2025 Faith & Blue event.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

BRINGING A MESSAGE OF UNITY – Lyons First Assembly of God Pastor Joseph Akins shared a message about unity in Christ during the 2025 Faith & Blue event.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

FREEDOM IN THIS HOUSE – Christian Music Artist Jonathan Traylor performed several of his hit worship songs, such as “Freedom in This House” and “You Get the Glory,” during the 2025 Faith & Blue event.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

COUNTRY-CHRISTIAN SOUND – Rising Christian Music Artist Colleen McKenna brought her unique blend of country music and Christian faith to her performance at the 2025 Faith & Blue event.Photo by Makaylee Randolph