On October 1, 2017, a 64-year-old retiree opened fire on a crowd of concert attendees. When tragedies such as this happen, what do you do? What does anyone do? How are we supposed to react? This shooting has become the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. The most recent reports indicate that there were at least 59 people dead and more than 500 others injured. It was reported that the gunman killed himself before authorities could get to him in his suite at the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino. Investigations are currently underway to identify any motive the gunman could have had to propel such a brutal and senseless act.
Survivor Sunday: Praying For Victims Of Violence
For those who have been following this tragic story, you may have thought to yourself or even asked ‘What can we do?’
Jesus says in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (English Standard Version).
Take heart, God our Savior has overcome the world. In times of tragedy, the Church always rises up and supports those in need. What can we do? How about donating money from your congregation to support those who may have lost someone. There may be someone in your congregation that has been affected, support them and encourage them in their time of need. If you have a larger congregation, maybe think about sending a team to ground zero to physically help those who are in need. Find a local church to support and focus your efforts there. Maybe you’ve already thought of these, that’s great! The bottom line is rising up and supporting those in need.
Don’t forget about prayer. Prayer is the most powerful resource we have. This should be the first resource you turn to, God. Without guidance from the Father, how far do you think you will actually get? Ephesians 6:18 says, “Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people” (Contemporary English Version).
Ephesians 6:18 says, “Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people” (Contemporary English Version).
Join us on Sunday, October 15, 2017, for Survivor Sunday. With all God’s people, we can band together and mourn the grief and loss for Las Vegas as well as other victims of shootings past. Pray for all the families and friends who have lost loved ones in these tragic events. Survivor Sunday was formed by a group of evangelical Christians who met on social media. The common thread is the call to intercede for those who have lost loved ones to mass shootings. Here are some stats from their website:
- More than 2 million people will die from gun violence in your lifetime.
- Gun violence is the 3rd leading cause of death for children in America.
- More people die from gun violence in the USA than any other country.
- One mass shooting occurs almost every single day in America.
- Innocent women, children, and babies account for nearly half of all gun-related deaths.
“Thank you for joining in this prayerful ministry to those who whose hearts have been broken and whose lives have been disrupted by gun violence.”
Rev. Rob Schenck, Founder, The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute
We invite you to join us all on Sunday to pray for the lives impacted by mass shootings in America. Sharefaith has also created a media set specifically for this Sunday.
Survivor Sunday Church Graphics & Media
Promote your dedication and commitment to praying for the victims of violence this Survivor Sunday with the use of this church media bundle which includes a sermon PowerPoint, church motion graphics, countdown timer, church bulletins, church flyer, church newsletter and church website banner. You can download the entire bundle here or create your own social media graphic and encourage your church congregation to join in prayer with our new Sharefaith Designer.