NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – An overflow crowd of church members filled the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of New Braunfels Sunday morning for memorial services for 13 people killed in a bus crash.
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Pastor Brad McLean said the service was an opportunity for the church family to reflect, rejoice and remember together following the crash Wednesday in Uvalde County.
The victims died when the bus was hit head-on by a pickup truck that veered into the opposite lane on U.S. Highway 83 near Garner State Park. The victims were returning from a retreat at Alto Frio Baptist Camp and Conference Center.
McLean told the congregation the service was the start in their search for comfort and healing.
"We cannot understand why this happened, but we must trust that this is the perfect will of God," he said. "They did not see death. They saw Christ.
"We come here this morning with questions and confusion. But with a faith that will see us through this tragedy, knowing that 13 people we love are now in heaven."
The church established a tragedy relief fund to help meet the needs of families affected by the deadly collision.
Donations can be made online on the church's website.
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