Mayor Dyer uplifted by city's unity after shooting
ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The mourning and healing continued Tuesday night at one of Orlando’s largest churches. More than one thousand people united at First Baptist Orlando off John Young Parkway to remember those 49 lost souls.
It was a very emotional night inside. Between the music and the prayers, people released their pent up pain and began the slow process of healing an entire city. They read the names of the dead Tuesday night at First Baptist Orlando.
People tired after three days of tragedy turned to prayer for comfort and answers. Muffet Kocmanek felt like she had to be here to heal. She says, “I needed to be here to pray with my friends to begin to heal for the families of the victims. It’s horrible, just horrible and I still cannot wrap my head around it.”
On the altar, 49 names on a blue backdrop reminded people why they came here. Pastors told the crowd God will give us answers despite the pain we all feel.
Pastor David Uth says the prayer service can heal people. “We need to be together. We need to come together in the context of hope, grace and healing and comfort.”
Pastors praised the courage of first responders and thanked elected officials for leading during Orlando’s most difficult days.
Mayor Buddy Dyer addressed the crowd. “We can show those who seek to harm us and the world that joy and love conquer hate.”
Omar Perez brought his wife and two daughters to Tuesday night’s service. Despite Orlando’s tragedy he has hope for the future. Perez says, “Love can definitely win. Love can do so much for everyone. The love can do so much.”
Tuesday morning, the city will open a family center at Camping World Stadium. It’s a place where the victims’ families will be able to get many of the services they need.