LA VERNIA, Texas – This is the time to heal and soon there will be time to rebuild. That’s the message hundreds heard during a vigil in La Vernia for the 26 killed in the Sutherland Springs church shooting Sunday.
About 150 to 200 people from the community and other parts of Texas gathered at La Vernia High School on Tuesday to mourn those killed in the shooting.
Pastors delivered a message of encouragement and shared their hopes for a brighter future ahead of this tragedy.
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Community members sang and prayed for the lives lost.
“It too will pass. And there's nothing greater than that love of brotherhood and sisterhood that they're showing right now to each other,” Lynn Case, a pastor, said.
Mourners were strengthened by words of comfort and reminded of the higher being they serve. Many traveled for hours to come and show their love.
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“It affects all of us here in Texas. These are our people,” said Laurie Dierlam, with Faith Family Church.
The victims and first responders who are still dealing with the tragedy were at the center of the prayers.
“I’m just happy to see the community come to support each other in a crappy time,” Jessica Hempworth said.
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Investigators are expecting to wrap up their investigation by sometime Wednesday, but the healing will take time. Religious leaders said they will be there for the community every step of the way.