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Ferguson faith community and school district pray for Florida shooting victims

"Lord, I just ask that you heal those broken hearts," said Ferguson Pastor Doug Inman, as he led the group in prayer.

FERGUSON, Mo. – The Parkland, Florida, School shooting had far-reaching impact. It touched us right here in the St. Louis area. While everyone grieves in different ways, one faith community and school district joined hands in prayer.

Pastor Doug Inman invited his church community from First Baptist Church in Ferguson and the Ferguson-Florissant school district to a Sunday night vigil.

"Lord, I just ask that you heal those broken hearts,” Inman said as he led the group in prayer. They asked for healing in the wake of the tragic school shooting, which claimed the lives of innocent students and teachers.

“The teacher, who ushered the last student in, and then got shot as he was shutting the door, it's gut-wrenching,” Inman said. “Because I picture people in those positions."

Inman said when these tragedies happen, it’s hard not to think about your own kids, family members and beloved school teachers. Pastor Inman read aloud the names and ages of the 17 victims.

“Peter Wang was a 15-year-old freshman,” recited Inman. He went on to describe the teen's hobbies and accomplishments.

While the group remembered the lives lost in Parkland Florida, they also prayed over their Ferguson-Florissant schools, as well.

"We have to put ourselves out there, put ourselves in their shoes, and just lift them up in prayer and lift our district up in prayer,” said Barb Hayes, a member of First Baptist Church.

The group lifted one another up in song and prayer. And promised to listen, and to talk to one another, to identify potential threats before they spiral out of control.

“If somebody's joking about it, it's not a joke,” Inman warned.

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