Vigils and memorials have been held throughout Canada in remembrance of the six people who were fatally shot on Sunday at a Quebec City mosque. A 27-year-old student has been charged with the murders.
“It’s important for us to deploy so we can share the hope of the Gospel there in a community that’s overwhelmed with a tragedy such as a mass shooting,” said Jack Munday, international director of the Rapid Response Team. “And we’re there to really remind them that God loves them and to share God’s hope with those that are willing to pray and allow us to minister to them.”
French-speaking chaplains will be working alongside local churches during this deployment. Quebec, with a population of more than 8 million, is a melting pot of sorts when it comes to religion. Based on a demographics report on the government’s website, the area is predominantly Christian. Muslims comprise the third-largest faith group. Aboriginal spirituality, Hinduism and Sikhism are among the other religions represented in the report, which also indicated that 930,000 Quebequois claim no religious affiliation.
In the aftermath of the deadly shooting, people of all faiths have converged at a growing memorial site set up on the snowdrifts outside the mosque. It’s to this entire community the chaplains will offer a ministry of presence while working alongside local churches. The goal is not only to listen and talk with people who are hurting, but also to encourage the churches in responding during this time of tragedy.
“It’s an encouragement to local churches,” Munday said. “Many times they don’t see where they would have a role when in fact it’s critically important that they do have a presence in their community to serve those that have been devastated and are grieving.”
Please continue to pray for all affected by this tragedy in Quebec City and for the chaplains as they offer a ministry of presence.