Editor’s note: Rick Lance is executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
PRATTVILLE, Ala. (BP) – Breaking news is a commonly used headline for some current event that demands our attention. Many times breaking news breaks our hearts.
This was the case for many, myself included, on Sunday morning, April 15th. I looked at my phone and saw a news alert with the story of a horrific event in Dadeville, Alabama: the sad story of a birthday shooting. party
I immediately contacted Ben Hayes, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Dadeville. I also contacted our disaster relief strategist, State Missionary Mark Wakefield. Both confirmed the sad news of four deaths and numerous injuries at the party held the previous night.
A city in a state of shock
This relatively small town of 3,000 inhabitants was in a state of severe shock. This is a quiet, close-knit community where people know each other well enough to have a first name. They go to church together. They go to high school sporting events together. They do life together.
That day, their lives changed. A shock wave went through the community and the surrounding area. People from all over the state joined in mourning these precious people.
A prayer vigil
Later in the day, there was a prayer vigil in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church where hundreds of people gathered to pray for all those affected by this unspeakably sad event.
The ministers led in prayer for the victims’ families, students, educators and first responders. This was one of the saddest yet most meaningful experiences I have ever had as a Christian leader.
The leaders stood tall
A crisis calls for strong leaders to emerge. That’s what’s happening in Dadeville. The municipal police are doing their job. Other first responders stepped in to do what they do best. Pastors and other people of faith have pointed out to people the only hope we have, which is Jesus Christ, the Lord.
Wounds that need healing
At the prayer vigil, I was asked to close the time. I choked out a few words knowing that this is no moment for banality. Our trite sayings often fall on deaf ears.
This was not a time to talk about politics, although some media outlets did not participate in this type of discussion. This was a 911 moment for many. This was a shock to the system.
I claimed the promise in John 16:33 where Jesus emphasized the reality of tribulation or problems in our lives. He offered a call to courage in this verse of promise. He also talked about being conquerors or conquerors when life has no meaning.
Keep praying
Please continue to remember the people of Dadeville in prayer. April 15, 2023 will be a date marked in history as a time when these beloved people faced adversity with strong faith but fragile feelings.
Time does not heal. The Lord does the healing. May his healing touch be upon those affected by a day they will not soon forget. A day when breaking news broke our hearts.
