On Sunday, more than 2,000 people came to the fairgrounds in Uvalde, Texas, for Noche de Adoración, a worship concert by Christian music artist Marcos Witt, organized by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). The powerful time of worship and prayer was needed in this heartbroken community after 19 children and two teachers were killed in a school shooting.
"Let's keep this beautiful community in prayer. May the comfort of the Lord embrace their hearts," Marcos Witt shared before the event. He's the most internationally recognized Spanish-language Christian music singer, and he has five Latin Grammy Awards and two Latin Billboard Awards.
Most people knew the Spanish lyrics by heart. It was the very music that has upheld many of the people present at the concert throughout decades of growing in their faith.
Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) chaplains ministered in the community following the May 24 tragedy. They were there to listen and provide emotional and spiritual care, including sharing the hope that only God can bring. Families of the 21 people killed have endured unimaginable sorrow, and the community is grieving the incredible loss, as well.
People have brought a staggering amount of flowers, balloons, cards and stuffed animals to this memorial for those who died.
Marcos Witt visits with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (right) before Noche de Adoración. The two also prayed together before the event. “We need to pray for Governor Abbott,” Witt told Uvalde pastors at a meeting before the concert. “We can’t even imagine all the pressure that is on his shoulders right now.”
At the end of the concert, Billy Graham chaplains made a line in front of the stage, making themselves available to pray with anyone who needed it.
An aerial shot of the memorial at the Uvalde town square.
Billy Graham chaplains ministered to residents and visitors in Uvalde and also law enforcement—who were deeply affected by the horrific day.
Chaplains and other workers, including these therapy dogs, pause for a photo in front of the BG-RRT Mobile Ministry Center, a safe haven for prayer and conversation.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction." >>Please continue to pray for the families and community of Uvalde.
