At one of the local churches in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, a group huddled in prayer, asking for strength and resilience to face the day. Their prayers weren’t about the snowfall and cold temperatures outside but rather for a grieving community.
On Feb. 10, a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby residence claimed nine lives, including the shooter. The attack also left 27 injured. In the aftermath of one of Canada’s worst mass shootings, Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) chaplains responded to provide emotional and spiritual care for residents.
We also sent our Mobile Ministry Center. The vehicle, parked near one of the community memorial sites, provides a quiet place for people to come, talk, and pray with the chaplains.
One resident, Anthony,* came to the Mobile Ministry Center to express his gratitude for the chaplains’ presence. “This community needs Jesus,” he told them.
Anthony went on to share how his grandchildren were in the school during the shooting. He had rushed to the school to help, but wasn’t allowed to enter. The waiting and uncertainty, he explained, had been the most painful moment.
While talking, Anthony mentioned that he had accepted Christ as a child and needed God’s wisdom on how to help his family. They were struggling with the memories, lingering fear, and a lack of sleep.
Our chaplain prayed with Anthony, reassuring him of Christ’s promise and everlasting love. “The Lord your God goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV). They also prayed that God would comfort Anthony and strengthen him so he could comfort his family.
To help residents like Anthony, our chaplains also hosted a ‘God’s Hope In Crisis’ class in Tumbler Ridge. The class equips others to offer the love of Jesus Christ in traumatic situations.
Families in Tumbler Ridge face a long and difficult road ahead. As our chaplains minister in the community, ask God to help them share Christ’s hope. Please continue to pray for those who are hurting, that they may find comfort in the Lord. “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust” (Psalm 91:2, NKJV).
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