'We just wanna pray Gannon home;' Prayer vigil held for missing 11-year-old

LORIS, S.C. (WPDE) — Prayers, hugs, and tears were plentiful at a vigil in Loris for 11-year-old Gannon Stauch. On Feb. 5 family, friends and community members came together to help "Pray Gannon home."

Stauch went missing on Jan. 27 in Colorado Springs. FBI Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD), Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, El Paso County Search and Rescue, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Colorado Springs Police Department, Fountain Police Department and the Salvation Army have all been involved in the search.

Melissa Todd is a family friend and said she organized the event the day before. She said she was happy to see how many people came out to support the family and their efforts.

“I know the grandparents. I think it was an awesome turnout for such a short period of time because I did this yesterday and put it on Facebook and just started spreading the word and having people share it," Todd said.

There were more than a hundred people at the vigil.

Gannon's grandparent's Pastor prayed for his safe return saying "As your children Lord we need your help. Father in the name of Jesus would you reveal him tonight. God would you make him known tonight. Would you give him to us tonight?"

Todd said she's never met Gannon but she hopes one day she'll get the opportunity.

“I’ve heard a lot about Gannon. I’ve heard he’s like our goddaughter. She was born at a pound 10 ounces. He was born at a pound 6 ounces, so he is a little tiny hero. I can’t wait to meet him and see what a great little guy he is. I want the opportunity to meet him," Todd said.

Gannon's mother, father, and sister released a video pleading for Gannon to come home, and Todd said that's just what they were praying for at the vigil.

“Prayers work. We believe in the power of prayer and we just like I said we just wanna pray Gannon home and we wanna pray Gannon home safe," Todd said.

She said she wants people to keep hope alive and she also has a message for Gannon.

“Gannon if you’re out there and you see this please know we want you to come home safe. If you need help go to an adult go to somebody. Place a phone call, have them call. Anything to get you home," Todd said.