After a shooter killed 10 people at the King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, Monday afternoon, many are grieving and in complete shock. Crisis-trained chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) have deployed to help locals process this terrifying tragedy. >> Read more about this deployment.
Sometimes, talking through a tragedy can bring comfort as honest emotions are shared.
Chaplains stand in silence to honor the life of Eric Talley, the first law enforcement officer to respond to the shooting. The father of seven was inspired to join the police department after losing his best friend to a drunk driver.
In a time of tragedy, chaplains ask God where He wants them to minister and to whom. Often, God leads chaplains to the right person at the right time.
After a year of social distancing, a chaplain gives one woman a much-needed hug.
People have been coming to the memorial for days to express their grief and condolences.
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the city of Boulder is less than 30 miles northwest of Denver. Monday—when the shooting happened—appeared dreary and cold, much like this picture.
A child pays respects at the memorial.
A group gathered for a candlelight vigil Wednesday night in front of the Boulder County Courthouse near Pearl Street Mall.
An experience like this can be overwhelming. Please pray for all going through a hard time emotionally and spiritually.
Chaplains met with members of the Boulder Police Department on Thursday morning.
A Mobile Ministry Center has been set up as a hub for one-on-one interactions, prayer and encouragement for anyone who wants to stop by and talk to a chaplain.
A man takes a moment at the memorial where hundreds of flowers—along with candles, cards and balloons—have been laid in honor of those fallen.
Remembering one of 10 tragically killed in the shooting.
A woman says a prayer outside the memorial.
As locals have gone to makeshift memorial sites the past few days, many have felt a deep sense of loss.
“The tragedy of the mass shooting at the grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, is excruciating,” said Josh Holland, assistant director of the BG-RRT. “Our hearts break for each and every family who lost a loved one through this evil and senseless act of violence." >> Do you have hope beyond this life? Start a relationship with Jesus today.
Chaplains Ken and Lois Helvie meet those grieving right where they are—and comfort them.
Over the past few days, King Soopers shoppers have shared harrowing accounts of their experience in the store the day of the shooting. One man changed his mind, deciding to get chips instead of ice cream—and that choice likely saved his life as he heard gunshots coming from the store's frozen section. The victims range in age of 20 to 65.
"We pray for God’s supernatural peace and comfort as they grieve,” Holland said, referring to the Boulder community. Please join us in praying for those mourning this unfathomable event.
