Over a thousand people recently gathered to lay flowers and light candles outside Walkerton District Community School in southern Ontario. They came to grieve the devastating loss of four teenage students and one teacher killed in a multi-vehicle accident.
Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) chaplains were among those at the vigil. They offered condolences to many, including the school principal, the grandparents of one of the victims, a gymnastics student of another, and first responders.
“Our prayers and our hearts are with the community and the families of the victims,” said Holly Lafont, manager of our Rapid Response Team. “We have trained chaplains on the ground, and they’re available to anyone who needs a listening ear or a word of hope in the wake of this shocking loss.”
Later, chaplains spoke with a municipal leader who visited our Mobile Ministry Center set up outside the community hall in Walkerton. He shared how different incidents had recently stolen the lives of others from the area, prior to the fatal collision that happened Friday, May 23. Greatly burdened by this series of tragedies, he eagerly received prayer from the chaplains before thanking them for being there.
From councilors to cashiers, our chaplains also had the opportunity to help mourners at the local grocery store. A heartbroken customer shared openly about her daughter’s friendship with one of the deceased. Through tears, she expressed her gratitude for the chaplains’ support for the town of just under 5,000 people.
The four female students—who were avid athletes—and their high school coach were returning from a softball tournament when their SUV collided with a tractor trailer and another car at an intersection.
Please join us in praying for the victims’ loved ones, sports teams, and school. Pray also for the town of Walkerton during this time of overwhelming grief. Remember our chaplains, too, as they are present to share God’s love and comfort at a funeral for two of the girls on Saturday. They will also be ministering at church and a special memorial service on Sunday.
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