Tragedy struck Virginia Beach on Friday, May 31st when 12 innocent people lost their lives and many more were injured. The shooter died by wounds sustained from combatting police at the Municipal Center. Let’s continue to pray for the grieving families of Virginia Beach.
Everything changed for us that day. We all feel it. As a writer, I want to document these things, but as a resident of the area, I am shaken. And as a presenter on a Christian radio station, I’ve been helping to update listeners on available resources plus providing information about prayer vigils and memorial services. Questions still linger, while stories of heroism emerge and the best in a community is being revealed even though it took something tragic like this.
While I was visiting the memorial site today with my kids there was a tranquil peace. The mood was somber but also holy. Besides the ministry teams present praying for people, many of the visitors were praying with one another. A local pastor even blew a shofar to remember the fallen.
But through it all, I know God reigns. He is on the Throne. He is King over everything and He is in the business of changing lives. And that is my prayer through all of this.
Community Pastors respond
On the day of the shooting, Pastor John Blanchard of Rock Church VB posted:
Pastor Steve Kelly of Wave Church took all their staff to visit the site of the shooting, on June 4th. He posted:
Prayer is saturating this community
What the devil intended for evil, God is turning around for His glory. I have learned that when tragedies strike, the Holy Spirit is there to bring comfort to all who are hurting! My friend Fauger Baptista of Youth With a Mission Virginia Beach and a team of volunteers set up a Prayer Booth next to the memorial at the Municipal Center. They have prayed for hundreds of people. CBN also had a table providing water and resources while the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has Rapid Response Chaplains on site, among others.
Rev. Mike Morisi said, “I’ve prayed with many families and lots of first responders. Many people will welcome your prayers. Just give them Jesus.”
Scott Gilbert who is the host of the upcoming Power and Love Conference in Virginia Beach challenged people to, “Exact a toll on the devil.”
The power of the Holy Spirit is present
Victoria Pevarnik of Big House Church in Norfolk says, “Many people’s hearts are soft and open to receiving prayer. There was a couple that came by and the husband had arrived at the Municipal Center on May 31st minutes after the shooting began. He saw all the commotion and the first responders on scene. The couple was reflecting on the events knowing that he could have been a victim.” Then Victoria said, “The Holy Spirit led me to pray for the woman’s anxiety issues. As I prayed and spoke life into the couple, the woman felt the power of God flow through her.” She finished saying that seeds of the Gospel are everywhere!
Virginia Beach is open for prayer. Please pray that not only will this community heal, but also that revival begins here.
