The Wegdewood Baptist Church
Shooting Victims
Fort Worth, Texas
We Cry
They went to church and gathered with friends,
When it was all over, seven were gone,
They had no idea how it would end,
Now we cry and grieve for the ones God called home.
And we cry for the children who survived,
Their lives have been changed, they will never be the same,
Their innocence and part of them too has died,
We cry for the children who remain.
We cry for the parents who no longer have their children,
We cry for the brothers and sisters who have lost part of themselves,
We cry for the grandparents, for those who lost their friend,
We cry for ourselves.
More children gone, more tears fall,
Why does this happen again and again,
Our children are no longer safe any where at all,
We scream at the injustice, it has to end!
Please no more, we beg of you,
Stop this violence, please don't let another child die,
We are confused, we are afraid, we are angry and we are hurting too,
And we cry.......
~In Memory of the Wedgewood Baptist Church shooting victims~
Judi Walker
Copywrite 9/16/99
"If I Could".......
If I could take the hurtful thoughts from your mind,
And change them to blissful dreams,
If I could soothe your fearful brow with a touch,
And help you to sleep all night,
If I could reach within my chest and take
The last unbroken part of my heart,
And fix what's torn within yours,
If I could give my very own life for
The one you have lost,
If my very soul could take all your tears,
And place them in the Heavens
To make more stars for you to wish upon,
If my love were strong enough,
To turn back time and change your life,
Then with every breath I breathed,
Would be to give you these things
So that you would forever smile,
And never grieve another day.
This is a poem I wrote for all who grieve the loss of loved one.
My prayers are with you all, Paul McC.
| My thoughts and prayers are with all the families | of the Wedgewood Baptist Church shooting victims. May God be with you all. There are no words to take away your pain, just know there are so many of us hurting and crying with you. We care. Judi Walker Mom to Shane Hebert 12/3/77~10/27/97 Louisiana |
| Young lives lost in such a tragic way, | Forever gone from the earth we share, But they live on in the light of Heaven's day, From our perspective, it doesn't seem fair.
But we will have the answers some day,
In Memory of those who died so young,
Nancy |
| Dear Heavenly Father, | May your Grace surround this community and provide comfort to those who's loved ones went Home. Hold them safely in Your loving arms. Bring them the peace that only Your love can. Father, if it weren't for You, I would not have survived the loss of my son, Justin. I know you will be there for these families also. For those who survived this tragedy, give them the security that You are with them and will guide them through this nightmare. In Jesus' name I pray....Amen Libbie In Memory of Justin Louisiana |
| We cry with you all for the lives of those who had to leave far too soon. We have no answers now, but one day when we are all together again we will know. My thoughts and prayers are with you as I grieve for you and with you.. | Martha Texas |
| To all the families that now will be forever changed, my thoughts and prayers are with you all....I am so sorry.... | Debbie In Memory of Josh Tennessee |
| My name is Debi Callam from Ohio and I am praying for those who lived and died. May God Bless and Comfort You. | Debi (Mom to Alex 6-8-94 to 5-5-98) Ohio |
| Those who have gone before us are celebrating their glorious birthdays in Heaven.Through our tears, we cling to the hope that we will be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven some day. May God bless the families of the victims and those who witnessed this horrendous event. | Ronda Christopher Texas |
| "Though we may not see the twinkle in the eyes of those we have lost, we are still reminded of their presence when we look into the night and see the stars shining above. From someone who has also lost a son to violence, my love and prayers are with you and your families" | Dorris Colorado |
| My heart...My thoughts....My Prayers go out to the families of the victims of such an unexplainable tragedy. Know that you will never truly lose those who were taken, but, will keep them with you in your hearts until the day that you meet again in a far better place...May God bless you all... | Ann Louisiana |
| May God be with the families and friends of those so tragically lost. Heaven now has a few more angels and may those angels bring comfort to those suffering this terrible loss. | My prayers are with you. Missi Cincinnati, Ohio |
| I grieve with you, I ask "why?" with you, I pray for you. God holds you in His Heart and Hands. May He bring strength and comfort to your shattered hearts. I am so sorry for your pain and loss. | Karen McCombs In Memory of Jamie and Ashley South Carolina |
| To all the families, we feel your pain. We have loved and lost and it is a great burden to bare. May you find a place where you can go when the days are stormy or shiny...a place where you can go to help find peace. | Chris and Delaine Whittington (Parents of Callie McCraw... 11/18/81-3/24/98) Vicksburg, Mississippi |
| My name is Tina Packer and I live in grand Rapids, Michigan. When I heard the news all I could say was OH NO...NOT AGAIN! What do we do when our kids aren't safe in places such as school and church? Dear God, WHAT do we do? I will be praying for the families of all of the victims as well as praying for a solution to this madness. | Tina Packer Grand Rapids, Michigan |
| Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May the Lord hold each of you in His Hands and bring you peace and strength. | Matthew's Mom - Carolyn ^j^ |
| We are all crying for you. We all feel your pain and loss. Remember though it is just for a season. Soon our Lord will bring us all together again. May God Comfort your hearts. | Sandee California |
| My heart and my prayers go out to each and everyone that has lost a friend or a loved one. May God provide the peace that surpasses all understanding to each and everyone of you. With lots of Love. | Yanira Brooklyn, NY |
| As true as the song playing they are now "Candles in the Wind" but their candles have wings and are free of violence they are at peace. Another tragedy another lesson learned another family grieving for the loss of someone who had everything to live for. An injustice yes. But not lives lost in vein, instead a many lives lost as a reminder to hold dearly in your hearts and thoughts each and every day, all those that you love. A precious life is a here for a short time. There should not be time for hatred and violence because you never know when your time is up. Those we loose to tragedy are angels that God allows us to borrow and entertain for a while. But then they must go back home to where there is peace where we will all be one day. Until that day comes be grateful for the wonderful memories they left behind for us to cherish. | Silvana Leone New York City |
| Prayers go out to the families of the victims of this senseless shooting. Prayers also to those who survived but will be forever changed as a result of this terrible incident. Our youth should not have to know this kind of horror over and over again. Blessings. | Karen Wisconsin |
| I am from Georgia. I just wanted to let the Wedgewood church to know we are praying for them, we wonder why and how GOD would let this happen, but GOD has a reason, even if we do not understand, we are only human, so when we say why, because we are hurting just remember GOD is there for you, I am hurting for you, parents and grandparent, and other member of your family my heart goes out to you. One day he will show you his reason, our JESUS will be coming for us soon , he is going to say enough is enough , may GOD bless each and every one of you ........ prayer warrior | Nanni Georgia |
| I know that these times are tough. The bible clearly warns us that in the last days it will be terrible times. I thank the Lord for taking those people home and away from this cruel world, for the are not dead, no they are ALIVE!, in a paradise that no man can even imagine! | James Hoskison |
| It is with heavy heart we join with you in mourning your loved ones. Please know that prayers are said, with you in mind, for peace. | Randi | California
| My Prayers are with all of You who have been affected by this horrible tragedy. I am so very grateful to Judi for giving all of us an opportunity to "Light a Candle" to express our love and concern. Judi is a very, very special Lady, and I thank You, Judi, for doing this for all of us. May God grant each of You that perfect peace that surpasses all understanding and touch Your Hearts with our love for You!! | Chase Arizona |
| This candle glows brightly it brings special light | For the families of seven that lost precious life As people were singing and offering prayer Their life was then ended it seems without care We pray for you all who witnessed that awful day For loved ones who saw life taken violently away So seven who entered the gates up above Where greeted by God with such tender love His Arms there to greet them wrapped in His care He whispered this greeting as he held them so near Seven new stars to shine bright in the sky They twinkle like diamonds to brighten on high A gift to your loved ones who look up and see Will know their own star that was given by Me You'll know that their beauty will give special light The warmth and the glow will be with you each night ~ Francine ~ | Bayville, Long Island
| On behalf of my Family and myself, please accept our heartfelt condolences concerning the senseless loss of life at Wedgewood Church. We live in difficult times, and mental illness is unfortuneately a by-product of the stress society produces each and every day. There is no one single answer as to "WHY" this tragedy occurred. It is hard for us to accept derainged behavior, and illogical acts of violence perpetrated against our most innocent. One thing I know for certain, no God of love had any hand in this painful and violent act. Yet, he told us that "those who die for My namesake will gain eternal life." The victims of this tragedy are now safe, and certainly not suffering. It is for their families, and the living, that we must now come together and embrace each other. God Bless. | Geodoctor | Ontario, Canada
| Dear precious brothers and sisters, our hearts go out to you in love and in prayer. May the Father hold you tightly in days to come, and may you be comforted in knowing that your precious ones are safe in the arms of Jesus. God Bless each one of you in a special way. | Love In Christ, Kathy & Dave | Virginia
| I want To Let You Know My Heart Goes Out To You And My Prays Are With You. | Mary Braun Aunt Of Kaleb Seitz 1-1-85 to 4-10-98 | Missouri
| THIS VIOLENCE MAKES NO SENCE TO US, I HOPE THE LOVE OF GOD WILL MAKE THIS TRAGEDY EASIER TO BARE. WE MUST NEVER MISS THE OPPERTUNITY TO TELL OUR KIDS THAT WE LOVE THEM. | Beth | NEW YORK
| My heart is broken over such a tragic loss of young lives. Adults and young people, giving of their time to lead, or just to worship, gunned down in what we would have thought was a safe place. I am so fearful for my children. We live in a cruel and mean world. Only God can change it. We all need to unite in prayer and never stop praying for our children. God will heal, as He promised. God is good and faithful to us. May all those who have lost a loved one in this tragic ordeal feel the love and peace that only God can give. God bless you all!! DON'T STOP PRAYING!!! Jesus is a friend who walks in when the world has walked out! |
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall find tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 |
| My heart and prayers are with everyone and anyone who has ever lost a loved one due to these senseless actions of others. May you know that there is a better way, the way of Peace and Love. I am small and weak, but my prayers are strong, may Creator help us walk in beauty and learn to love all our fellow creatures of Him. Peace and Blessings! | Sunshine | Tucson, Arizona
| My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of these children. Though it is not much comfort these children were in the house of our father, what better place to be, at then his house. Love to all the family and friends. We will remember all in our prayers. | Caryll | Arizona
| Father, your children gather in the spiritual realm around the world praying for and mourning with the survivors and parents of those precious children who were abruptly taken from us. May they sense our prayers, may they be encouraged and strengthen, may we bare a little of their pain and sorrow, and may they be carried in your loving arms during these tragic hours ahead. Lord we ask that as in the tragedy in Littleton, what satan intended for evil YOU would turn it for good. Lastly, may our passions and love for you fortify our faith, so when you come again you will find FAITH. Come Lord Jesus, come. | Gail New Jersey |
| To all those affected by this awful happening, I am so, so sorry. It's so hard to find the words to offer you comfort, but you will all be in my prayers. God bless you and give you an answer to your questions. | Bea, Vince, Amy and Angel ^Simon^ England |
| To say that victims are very special angels sent | from God to teach is an understatement... To say that we can and do go on with our hearts torn and shredded is an understatement... Memories..we hold on so tight...those memories bring us through to the Light and; in time, they blend our tears with laughter and we are given rainbows... this, too, is an understatement. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you, Fort Worth .... Mattie and family Ohio |
| I feel for you and all the | families that lost their loved ones. One thing is - they all are with their creater Jesus Christ never to hurt or cry again. May the Lord Bless You. James and Mary Lewis |
| My prayer for the families and friends of the victims is that God's comfort and love continues in them. I pray that our precious Lord will hold them even closer in His embrace as they heal from this tragic event. In Jesus precious name, amen. | For Him Ministries |
| May peace and tranquility follow you on your journeys, and this candle help you guide the loved one's you have left behind. | Suzi Lewiston, NY |
| Lord please hold all these new angels and there families close. As you hold them bring them the strength to climb to the top of this mountian , let them know that all of us are crying with them we all ask why ... we all ask when will this senseless dieing of our children stop. now the violence enters your sacred house and still there no answers..to all of you parents and grandparents and brothers and sisters and friends I offer you my deepest sympathy. Know that when you see the bright sulight shining in the morning skies it is our loved ones smiling down with so much love and pride for all of you. | God Bless you all. In Memory of Joshua Monika mother to angel Joshua |
| My name is Dianna and I live in The Colony, TX. My heart is so full for the pain and suffering that has been left to the families in this latest shooting in Ft. Worth. My own area is not that far and even if it were, I would still feel their pain and grief. No one has the right or should even want to harm a child. After all they are Gods greatest gift to us. Nothing else can even begin to compare. We must protect and love them at all cost. | Dianna The Colony, TX |
| I light this candle for Wedgewood Church in memory of my mother Christine Girouard Simon and my grandmother Julie Girouard. | Brandi Simon (age 17) |
| I just want to say my heart goes out to all that have been affected by such a tragedy. With a life that will never be the same, I pray that everyone affected by this will have the strength to go on. Its hard to offer words of comfort, and sometimes we don't know what to say or how to react to a situation as this, but would like all to know that they are in our prayers. God bless all. | Kathy Minnesota |
| My name is GLORIA and I am the mother of 6 wonderful children and THANK GOD everyday for them and for their protection- I just couldn't imagine losing any of them My heart and SPIRIT reaches out to the children and parents in this tradegy.May GOD pick you up in HIS arms and hold you and LOVE you and be with you always..My heartfelt sympathy is with all of you!!! | To GOD be THE GLORY!!!! Your SISTER in CHRIST,GLORIA TENNESSEE |
| My thoughts and prayers are with you this day as you go through your sorrow. God bless you and be with you. To all the families and friends who lost a loved one at Wedgewood. | Joan |
| My Heart goes out to each,and everyone of you.Times like this we have so many questions,and very few answers, But we will come to know the answers in due time~My Prayers are with all of you~ | Sincerly, Julia Douglas Naples,Fl |
| My heart aches for the parents of these kids, that lost their lives so early in life. When will this violence ever end? Please know that my heart & prayers are with the families & friends of these precious loved ones. One day we will all meet again. | Melinda Luke Louisiana |
| It is with deep sorry that , I did hear about this shooting . I could not believe that something like this would happened . I am so sorry for loss . I will think and pray for all the young ones and there family . | In deep sympathy Heidi Denmark |
| Although I currently live in Florida, I was born, raised, and lived over 30 years in Fort Worth. Fort Worth is home. A part of me died Wednesday night with the deaths of our young people. So much love. So much potential. Now they are gone from us to spend eternity with our heavenly Father. I grieve with you. I feel some but not all of your pain. But remember justice has already been served. The madman that did this to your children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, friends, has already had to answer for his deeds to almighty God himself. When you grieve let it be a celebration of who they were and that they have had the privilege of moving on to the ultimate goal of all of us -- to sit at Jesus' feet. |
Lie down
And when a soul is born to Him
Florida |
| My name is Janice and I live in Hawaii, on the island of Kauai. My prayers go out to those families and friends of the victims and may God's love and peace be with them and may they know that people all over the world are | joined in their pain and loss. Janice Hawaii |
| This tragedy travels to families throughout the world. As we watched in pain the news of the shooting and its terrible effects on many young lives, friends and family, our hearts cry out in pain as we feel the sorrow like it could be our own. The only comfort can be found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, knowing that these children are in His presence, and God alone can and will comfort the victims. Our prayers go out to the family and friends of all who are hurting in this moment of grief. | Peter DeBurger and Family Ontario, Canada Soldier of the Cross |
| My deepest sympathy goes out to all who are affected by the senseless shooting that took place a few days ago. Again we know not the hour or the day when Jesus Christ shall come to take us home.. therefore we should always be ready. I know the families are grieving for their children that were taken away but at the same token they should rejoice in the name of Jesus for they are now in the arms of our savior. I too cried for them when I heard it on the news right after the incident occurred and prayed for the comfort of the Holy Spirit to embrace them and bring them peace. May you all rejoice in the name of our LORD JESUS...and the peace be upon you. | Carolyn Tennessee |
| My deepest most heart felt sympathy, goes out to the victims and their familys.. This is a day even the angels are crying with us,forever in my prayers.Your neighbor here in Dallas. | All my love, Rena Texas |
| May the Lord and the Angels comfort you all in your grief.Please know that a nation morns with you in your loss.One will never understand why such bad things happen to such good people.Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and the community. May God Bless you all. | Heart of Gold Committee Pensacola,Florida |
| I light a candle for the people in Wedgewood, my heart and prayers go out to all of you. | This is in memory of my dear Mother (Julie), Sister (Christine), mother in law and father in law. Cindy Reaux Youngsville, Louisiana |
| I truly feel that the violence is all brought about by not taking a good look around ourselves and taking the time to smile and reaching out to others/ everyone seems to be a hurry and not really going anywhere but just obtaining objects and the rat race is never ending because not enough realize that the only thing that is yours or mine is ourselves and others and by going back to the basics is the only way that this waste and harm will stop....taking the time to care for ourselves and others is the only way, feel good when something good happens to someone else, not jealous and spiteful...feel compassion when something devastating happens to another, don't be void of the feelings of sorrow................ | |
| My name is Betty Ann. I live in northern British Columbia, Canada. I have heard on the TV what happened to the young people In Wedgewood Baptist Church. I have been praying that God in His love & mercy would soften the blow these dear people have been dealt & help them to stand strong through this trial. Please light a candle in my name to tell these dear people that there are others outside of the US who know, love & care what has happened there & are praying for them through this terrible time. | Sincerely in Christ Betty Ann British Columbia, Canada |
| As I go to bed tonight I thank God for the life of my two boys and cry for moms and dads, sisters and brothers that have lost loved ones. I pray that all the killing stops and all the pain and suffering also stops. Children are Gods most loving gift. We all need to banned together and protect them. So tonight before you go to bed, hold your love ones tight and vow to help another child. May God holed each and every one of you in his light and love. | Mary Seattle, Washington |
| I would like to send a candle for the children of Wedgewood and their family's. There but for grace of God we could be. We have a healthy daughter and grandchildrens. Our prayer go out to you of Wedgewood. | Tom and Gladys Hayes |
| I WOULD LIKE TO LIGHT THIS CANDLE FOR ALL THE INNOCENT SOULS FROM WEDGEWOOD CHURCH. AND FOR ALL THE FAMILIES: YALL ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. THIS CANDLE IS ALSO IN MEMORY OF MY COUSIN, JUSTIN FITZGERALD, AND MY FRIEND, JUSTIN HARRISON. MAY THEY ALL REST WITH THE ANGELS. GOD BLESS. | REBECCA LECOMPTE LOUISIANA |
| This candle lit by dink52282@aol.com | Tennessee |
| Please God, let the candles always burn bright for Wedgewood and please hold the ones gone close to your light as well as the ones left behind. | I ask this prayer in memory of my son Travis. Jane Texas |
| I would like to light a candle for the people of Wedgewood and for my very best friend Stephanie Leigh Tennis. She was very dear to me. | Courtney Speer Lafayette, Louisiana |
| My heart is filled with sorrow of the needless deaths of these eight people .I pray that God will give their families a peace in their hearts that passes all understanding.And the wounding of the others,I pray for a full and complete healing on their bodies,and give them strengh for the days ahead. I am so sorry. | Love in Christ,Lisa Wier (mother to David C.,Shannon,and their brother James who died 7-9-98) Dallas,Texas |
| My heart goes out to all the people . The Lord is comeing soon thank goodness. | Lejean |
| Thank you for the opportunity of expressing my compassion over this terrible injustice. It is a day only God is able to give an answer to. One day, in eternity, perhaps we'll see the outcomes, eternally speaking, to this disaster. May God help America to fall on it's knees in humble contrition, and seek for His mercy in this awful day in which we live. | Wanda G. Arizona |
| Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish that we could take away the pain. I to have lost a son for unknown reasons, but try to remember the Love and Goodness in them. They do remain with us in our hearts. We will see them again someday in Heaven. | GOD BLESS YOU!!! Apple Valley Ca. |
| I light this candle for all the loved ones lost that day. | I know nothing that I say will take the hurt away. My heart goes out to all of you that lost loved ones that day. We all know that the lord above has a better life for them and he wanted them for a special reason. Someday soon you will be with them again. OH, What a glorious day that will be. Think of all the rejoicing and happiness on that day. We all have lost a part of us even if we do not know these loved one. We all grieve and cry with you. Remember God loves you. May God bless each and everyone of you. Wanda Arkansas |
| To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Through your tears, rejoice that your loved ones are in a better place. And draw on your memories to get you through this tragic time. My prayers are with all of you that God will hold you in the palm of his hand and comfort you when you need it the most. Keep your thoughts on our wonderful, loving God. And remember the promise he gave to us. "Whosoever believethin me shall not perish, but have everlasting life." God bless you. | Janet Miller In memory of my father, James Packard, who walked into Jesus'arms March10, 1999. |
| My name is Jim from Florida, My heart was very moved at the tremendous outflow of compassion and Prayer support for all the grieving families. I too add my sympathy and prayer for the families that have suffered so much. May God's grace comfort and support. | Jim Florida |
| I have no idea how much pain that you are in. But I know that I have pain that this is such a senseless act that could have possible happened we will never know what this man was so angary and so unhappy that he just felt like coming in a taking the lives of your loved ones and my heart and prayers goes out to you and your family and friends. And we know that they are safe in his loving arms and that the memories will live on in each of your hearts and what these young people mean to you. If I may I would like to offer you my favorite bible verse it is found in Philippines 1:21 "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." I do hope that you will find comfort and peace in his loving arms and that you know that you will see your loved ones. again may be tomorrow today next year but for certain we know that we will see all of our loved ones. | Please let this lighted candle burn in Loving Memory and let them know they will for ever be in my prayers and heart and how proud I am of them. God Bless You All Linda Norwalk, California |
| My name is Patti and I live in Harrisburg, Pa . Ever since the news, I cry for all the families that have been affected. I pray our Lord Jesus will hold each and every one of you in His loving arms.These tragedys must stop!!. Although we have no answers, we must hold on to Jesus promise to us; "Never shall I leave you, Never shall I forsake you." | Patti Harrisburg, PA |
| We have held you in our hearts and prayers since it happened. We hope
and pray that Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ will wrap His arms
tightly around everyone involved that they may feel the peace that only
He can give. | The Thomsons of Ft. Worth |
| Please know that your loss is not in vain. Many hearts will be changed
because of your faith and your Christ-like compassion. God has given us,
never connected to you, an example of What Jesus would really do!!... I
know that many of our members here will, bring their thoughts and
feelings to prayers for your church and the loved ones of the victims. | Love and hope from our church.... Zion Lutheran Church Bay City MI, 48706 Bob Nussear |
| I know it has been a year since the shooting. But my prayer are still here for every one of my brothers and sisters at Wedgewood. And I know that if you all stay in the fight you will make it. And remember Jesus takes care of the sparrows so do not lose faith. Always remember what Paul said in Phil. 4:13. | Steven Venus, TX 76084 |
Would you like to lite a candle and leave a message? Just e-mail me at the link below and let me know. Please let me know what state you are from and if you want you e-mail address included.
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