Strasbourg Corps providing comfort after fatal shooting
Strasbourg Corps providing comfort after fatal shooting
13 December 2018
The Salvation Army offered spiritual support and practical assistance in the aftermath of the shooting incident at Strasbourg’s traditional Christmas Market on 11 December.
The Salvation Army corps in Strasbourg, France, has kept its doors open after thousands of visitors to the city’s traditional Christmas market were caught up in a shooting incident on the evening of 11 December.
Two people were killed in the attack, with 14 injured, several critically. Strasbourg Corps is close to where the incident took place, and volunteers preparing for the next morning’s breakfast for homeless people were instructed by police to remain in the building late into the night.
Once the situation was made safe by the authorities, The Salvation Army centre was opened to the public and has remained open, receiving people who want to have a rest, to drink coffee or to speak about what happened. Prayer has also been made available to those who want it.
In addition, four teams of Salvation Army volunteers have been deployed onto the streets to provide coffee, reassurance and a listening ear to those who were shocked by the events of the night. Special efforts have been made to connect with the city’s refugee population, many of whom don’t have people they can talk to for reassurance.
Major Joël Etcheverry, Strasbourg Corps Officer, explains: “Usually at this time of year we are on the streets fundraising with our red kettles. But today we decided to share hope, compassion, and light.
“We met policemen, military personnel, tourists, shopkeepers and many Strasbourg people, [a] few [of] who were there during the terrorist attack. We had very deep moments with as many as 150 people. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.”
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.