PHOTOS: After Florida school massacre, community grieves together

by Erik Ogren and TJ Petrino   •  
Huddled in prayer, a chaplain prays with those affected by the shooting.
Seventeen white crosses stand to honor the victims of the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
A candlelight vigil was held to honor the lives of those who are no longer here.
Blue-shirted Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are used to deploying to sites of tragedy, yet each one comes with its own set of difficulties and grief. Since the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, on Valentine’s Day, nearby Pine Trails Park has served as a memorial to the 17 victims as mourners stop to cry, pray, leave mementos and pay their respects.
Within hours of the shooting, chaplains were on the ground and ready to assist the hurting in any way possible. With the shooting in a school of 3,200 high schoolers, the need for emotional and spiritual care is great.
Parkland, about a 20-minute drive from Boca Raton, was recently named the 15th safest city in the United States. The atmosphere has been different since last week’s tragedy.
First responders are grateful for prayers while trying to assist their community through such a crisis.
Many have stopped by Pine Trails Park to honor the lives of the victims or circle in prayer. Is your life secure in the hands of God?
A poster remembering a high school coach and a student who were both killed in the massacre.
The community remembers their loved ones and comes together in the tragedy.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.” —Psalm 34:18
Many students and faculty showed the true meaning of love on Valentine’s Day, giving up their lives out of love for another.
As the horrific details weigh on people’s hearts, a simple embrace can mean so much.
A hug to let a local woman know she’s not alone.
Please continue to lift up the Parkland community in prayer.