“This just doesn’t happen here in Maine.”
That’s what crisis-trained chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) heard from Androscoggin County residents all weekend.
The small town of Lewiston, Maine, was reeling with grief and fear after a gunman opened fire in two separate locations on Wednesday, October 25, killing 18 people and wounding 13 more.
Friday night into Saturday morning, as news broke that the gunman’s body had been found, the lockdown was lifted and signs of life began to emerge as people began posting “Lewiston Strong” signs all across this tight knit community.
Sunday, hundreds flocked into East Auburn Baptist church seeking answers and hope. “I had someone come up to me after the shooting and say, ‘Pastor, what is wrong with me? I feel afraid and weak,’” said Roger Cousineau, senior pastor of East Auburn Baptist Church. “This is a normal response to an abnormal circumstance. We are all affected by this.”
Cousineau preached from Psalm 34, explaining how David wrote this Psalm during a very dark time in his life, yet he knew he needed to go to God. “I sought the Lord and He heard me. He delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4) While the pastor acknowledged many still may have fears and anxiety, he also shared how important it is to trust the Lord. “The arm of man is not where our strength is found…we want to turn to the Lord during this time.”
In the midst of all the pain, the pastor called his church to action. “The Bible calls us to step up and weep with those who weep. One can look at Jesus as the perfect example when grieving His friend Lazarus’ death.”
Finding Hope in the Midst of Sorrow
While at a vigil Saturday night, two BG-RRT chaplains noticed a woman standing in the back who appeared troubled. They compassionately approached her, and with tears in her eyes, Lynn* shared how this tragedy brought back memories of the murder of her twin sister 30 years ago. The chaplains listened and comforted Lynn. Through the conversation, an opportunity arose to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Lynn seemed willing to discuss the Gospel but admitted she didn’t know enough about how to be “saved.” The chaplains took her through BGEA’s booklet Steps to Peace with God, and she expressed that she wanted to make Jesus her Lord and Savior. The chaplains then invited her to attend church with them the next day.
After church the team presented her with a Bible so she could begin growing closer to Christ. “Happy Birthday!” her friend exclaimed, as Lynn clutched her new Bible. She finally understood that she was now a new creation in Christ.
Mainers will tell you they are resilient and they will get through this. But the hope and the prayers of pastors and the chaplains is that this community will realize their strength can only come from the Lord.
Will you continue to lift up all those impacted by this mass shooting? Please pray for BG-RRT chaplains as they continue to minister in Lewiston, Maine.
*Name changed for privacy
