Children’s minister Kelly Kitch then led silent prayer for the victims and families. She quoted Psalm 34:17-18, which says, “The righteous cry out…The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Prayer prompts filled the screens to help guide attendees to pray specifically for those who have lost loved ones, the victims who are still in the hospital, and for families and friends of those still in the hospital.
In addition to the list of political and community officials, Mayor Ken Fulk was present at the vigil. He addressed the group: “We are saddened and shocked by yesterday’s shooting.” Fulk mentioned that the investigation into the atrocity continues. Acknowledging that countless lives have been affected, Fulk said that the City of Allen has arranged for free counseling through a local service.
“As the healing begins, we will recover. We’re proud to call Allen home,” Fulk said. “Allen is full of kind and compassionate citizens. We are in shock and are all grieving together.”
Attendees recognized first responders with a standing ovation early in the service. Discipleship minister Jeston Katebe later spoke highly of all first responders who respond to tragedies. Katebe then prayed specifically for first responders—those who served the community during the tragedy in Allen and those around the country. “We thank you, God, that you are there for them, to protect them and encourage them,” he said. “Surround them with your mercies. May your peace be upon them.”
As Mayor-Elect Baine Brooks took the stage, he said he had listened to all of the words and encouragement. “I’m going to put my script up and speak from the heart,” he said. “Our community has just been hit—and it hurts. It hurts.” Books affirmed what he called a small town where people work to take care of one another. “Let’s pray. Jesus take the wheel.”
Teaching pastor Graeme Golding prayed for the community leaders of Allen. He read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, which says “The father of compassion and the God of all comfort who comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” Those gathered were invited to silently pray for others who love and serve the community.
For 28 years, senior pastor John Mark Caton has served the community of Allen, Texas. Despite one heckler, Caton admitted to the group that, for years, he has longed for the words that would “fix it,” referring to the plague of mass shootings in America. “With all of the wrong, the sin, the hurt in the world, surely there are just the right words,” he said. But Caton recognized that what he’s uttered over the past decades hasn’t “fixed it.” He spoke on behalf of a hurting community longing for something better.
Caton said that people are sandwiched between now and heaven. Everyone who mourns in this world desperately needs God’s comfort. “Let’s be a people that comforts those who mourn,” he said, “that prays for those who grieve. That brings the oil of joy in the spaces of sadness.”
