On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, a group of 33 students and leaders from our Youth community went to the site of the tragedy that unfolded on April 26 for a prayer walk. Four days after the tragedy, the corners surrounding Fraser and 41st Street were filled. People of all nationalities, young and old, gathered to weep, pray, honour and mourn. Hundreds stood as candles were lit and thousands of flowers were placed in remembrance of lives lost, affected and all those who are experiencing this time of darkness.

After the walk, one of our youth leaders said:

“It is important for us to participate in this dark moment with our city.”

Pastorally, I want to invite us as followers of Jesus to participate in this dark moment. Participating and grief take many forms. Here I humbly offer a few invitations brought to my mind after praying through Lamentations this week.

First, I invite you to call out to God from the depths of your soul (Lam 3:55). This calling out might include tears, frustration with God, doubt in God's presence, and deep pleas for God's mercy and compassion to show up. It may be for those directly affected, those extending forms of support, the driver, the Filipino community, and for our city as a whole. God can handle the rawness of our cries.

Second, we are invited to cling to hope despite all odds (Lam 3:21). This is not a cheap hope, but a relentless assurance that God actually bends his ear to listen, and extends his presence through the Holy Spirit, even if we do not feel his nearness. Jesus came to earth and dwelt with his people, bringing light to a dark moment of history. Now we seek him with earnestness, believing that others may see his light through our hope. 

Third, we are invited to wait (Lam 3:26). Grieving takes time. This waiting might be a personal exercise, and at other moments it might look like waiting alongside others. Our waiting includes many aids such as counselling, community and care for the whole body. But ultimately, we wait believing that only God can bring the fullness of the saving power that we, and our city, desperately need and long for.

Our pastoral team would be honoured to have time to cry out, to hope and to wait with you. Please email any of our leadership if we can join alongside you in any way. 

Here is a prayer written by the Rabbit Room that can be used as a liturgy to help you or your community group call out to God.

Peace to you,

Mitch