Six Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are on-site in Aurora, Colo., where a gunman opened fire on a theater full of moviegoers in the early hours of the morning.
“Words can’t begin to describe the pain of this situation,” said Jack Munday, director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “We are grieving alongside the families of those killed and wounded in this senseless and horrific tragedy.
“Please pray for all of those who have been affected,” added Munday. “We will be there to offer emotional and spiritual care, and the hope and compassion of Jesus Christ, in the aftermath.”
News reports indicate that at least 12 victims have died as a result of the shooting and more than 50 injured in a packed midnight screening of the new Batman Movie “The Dark Knight Rises.”
“The people are just totally devastated,” Munday said. “The Lord has given us an opportunity to minister to those who have been directly affected.”
Chaplains were already in Colorado responding to wildfires in and around Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. This allowed them to respond immediately to the shooting in Aurora.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to be able to respond so quick,” Munday said. “The needs are immediate after a tragic incidence such as this. We’re assessing those needs every hour.”
Chaplains have been invited to a prayer and worship service tonight at Calvary Chapel Aurora to help minister to those who have been affected and their families.
“The Lord has given us opportunities to share the love and hope of Christ,” Munday said.
Previously, Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains have deployed following shootings in Tucson, Az. (2011); Cumbria, U.K. (2010); Maryville, Ill., Carthage, N.C., Oakland, Calif., and Binghamton, N.Y. (2009); Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill. (2008); Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va., Crandon, Wis., and Arvada, Colo. (2007); and the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minn. (2005).
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