When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them…
—Matthew 9:36 (ESV)
Compassion. That’s the word Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplain Al New kept coming back to Wednesday morning as he reflected on the last 24 hours in Orlando.
On Tuesday, local police removed the barricades around the nightclub, scene of the deadliest mass shooting in our nation’s history. A memorial has now been set up there.
“It’s solemn,” New said. “A lot of heartbreak and tears. Everybody is quiet and crying and in mourning.”
New said he was filled with compassion while watching visitors lay bouquets of flowers or write messages on the black-papered chainlink fence designed to keep the public from seeing the crime scene. In some places, light shone through the black paper where people had poked holes to take a peek.
“Most of the people are still numb,” New said. “We talked to several people who are still scared. Actually, at that site last night some of the survivors did show up, but they were scared to be there.
“There’s a lot of fear in this community right now. Nothing like what happened was supposed to happen here.”
A team of 25 crisis-trained chaplains is in Orlando with hopes of shining the light of Christ in this hurting community by offering a ministry of presence at the Rapid Response Team Mobile Ministry Unit and memorial sites. New said his team set up a tent with a sign from the Orlando Church of Christ that reads: “Need Help?”
Within minutes of putting up the sign, a visitor stopped by.
“Immediately, a man rode up on his bike and just started to cry,” New said. “He needed prayer and he decided to rededicate his life [to Jesus].”
Prayer remains key in this deployment. New listed some important ways people can continue to bring this matter before the Lord:
“Pray for the whole community of Orlando,” New said. “It’s not just here at the club—everybody in the Orlando area has been affected. Just pray for them, that God will bring healing to the Orlando area.”
Additionally, New requested prayer for the chaplains who are being exposed to the details of the June 12 massacre as they talk with survivors, family members and first responders.
“They’re carrying the weight of everything that’s been told to them,” New said. “Pray for the chaplains that God will keep them healthy physically and spiritually so that they can continue to do the work they’re doing.”
Tragedies like this leave many searching for peace. Find peace with God.
