Akron Kids Seek Pastor's Prayer After Disturbing Sighting

Viral video shows young boys rushing to church for spiritual guidance after unsettling encounter.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:33am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of two shadowy figures walking down a softly lit street, their faces obscured by a hazy, dreamlike quality, conveying a sense of mystery and the need for spiritual guidance.A viral video captures the moment two young boys sought spiritual refuge at their local church after an unsettling encounter, highlighting the power of faith and community in times of uncertainty.Akron Today

A viral Ring camera video captured the moment a group of 12-year-old boys, Kayden Moreland and Dayvionte Salaam, rushed to Equip Church in Akron, Ohio to ask their pastor, Crystal Varner, to pray for them after they said they saw something disturbing while exploring the area. The boys described seeing what they believed was a pentagram and a strange figure, leaving them feeling shaken and in need of spiritual guidance.

Why it matters

The video has resonated with many online, highlighting the importance of faith and prayer, especially for young people, in times of uncertainty or distress. It also showcases the role that local churches can play in providing a safe haven and spiritual support for their community.

The details

According to the boys, they were exploring the area when they came across what they described as a pentagram and an unsettling figure. This left them feeling uneasy, as if they were "cursed." Without hesitation, the boys rushed to Equip Church to speak with Pastor Crystal Varner and ask for her to pray for them, as they felt the church was the "safest place" to seek spiritual guidance.

  • On Tuesday, the boys visited Equip Church to speak with Pastor Varner.
  • The viral Ring camera footage was captured on Friday.

The players

Kayden Moreland

A 12-year-old boy who, along with his friend Dayvionte Salaam, saw something disturbing while exploring and sought out their pastor for prayer.

Dayvionte Salaam

A 12-year-old boy who, along with his friend Kayden Moreland, saw something disturbing while exploring and sought out their pastor for prayer.

Pastor Crystal Varner

The pastor at Equip Church in Akron, Ohio, who was honored when the boys came to her for prayer after their unsettling experience.

Ciera Walker

An Evangelist at Equip Church who shared the viral Ring camera video on social media to highlight the importance of prayer.

Equip Church

The Akron church where the boys sought out their pastor for prayer after their disturbing sighting.

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What they’re saying

“It just brings my heart so much joy that God is using us as one of the vessels to actually spread His word.”

— Pastor Crystal Varner, Pastor, Equip Church

“We were just exploring for a little bit and then on our way out that's when we saw that thing.”

— Kayden Moreland, 12-year-old

“It was like something was on me. Felt like I was cursed.”

— Dayvionte Salaam, 12-year-old

“It just shows you how vital prayer is and how much it's missing in this world.”

— Ciera Walker, Evangelist, Equip Church

“I feel happy that we made people feel good.”

— Dayvionte Salaam, 12-year-old

What’s next

Equip Church welcomes guests to attend their Resurrection Sunday service at 11 a.m. on April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

This story highlights the power of faith and prayer, especially for young people, in providing comfort and guidance during unsettling experiences. It also showcases the important role that local churches can play in supporting their community members during times of need.