As the nation continues to mourn those who were killed during the deadliest mass shooting in the United States, followers of Christ continue to distribute themselves throughout Orlando's community in love and service.
'We are grieving and traumatized, but determined to build a better and closer community out of this,' says Pastor Joel C. Hunter. Here are some of the unfolding ways you can give and receive help in the wake of this tragedy (other opportunities will be posted here as they become available):
Attend Northland's Worship in the Arts Camp performance of The Bridge on Friday, June 24, at 7 p.m. A love offering will be taken to support the Trauma Healing Institute in Central Florida in partnership with the American Bible Society. Click for details.
Join Pastor Joel at a community prayer service at First Baptist Orlando, 3000 S John Young Pkwy, Orlando, on Tuesday, June 14 at 7 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Participate in Northland's Young Adult Gathering as they process this weekend's events as a community on Thursday at 7 p.m. Click for details.
Serve others. City officials have created an online form that anyone interested in volunteering can fill out.
Give blood. OneBlood was at capacity on Sunday with people wanting to donate, but they are hoping donors will schedule appointments over the coming days.
Find someone to talk to. Need help finding counseling? Call Northland's counseling referral line at 407-949-7204.
Oviedo Counseling Clinic, a partnership between Northland and Reformed Theological Seminary, is offering free counseling services Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (June 13 to 15) from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Those who are interested can call 321-244-3576 for information and available times.
Reflect and remember. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando has designated the green space as a place for memorial items.
'Pray without ceasing' (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The City of Orlando has begun listing the names of victims on their website. Pray for the victims' families, law enforcement personnel, doctors, nurses, paramedics and anyone you can think of that needs comfort and peace.
Offer to pray with others wherever God places you. Don't be afraid to ask, 'Can I pray for you?' You may be surprised by how people respond.
One Northlander who happened to be visiting her son at a local hospital at the time of the shooting reports: 'I have had the honor to pray with families on every floor, in the hallways and in the cafeteria. The faces I have seen today with such grief, pain and heartache I will remember forever.'
