THE Salvation Army is providing emotional and spiritual care to people affected by Sunday night’s mass shooting in Las Vegas, USA, which was the deadliest in modern US history. So far, 58 people have been confirmed dead and more than 500 sustained injuries.
Salvation Army representatives – including four officers from Phoenix, Arizona – are providing prayer and counsel at the two hospitals where the vast majority of victims are being treated: University Medical Center Hospital and Sunrise Hospital. Several more have been sent to Spring Valley Hospital and St Rose Hospital, where other victims are being treated.
There is a tremendous need for blood donations, so The Salvation Army has dispatched a mobile canteen to a United Blood Services location to provide food and water to those waiting in long lines to donate. Consideration is being given to send mobile canteens to other locations in the city.
Social Services Director Phillip Hollon is working with local first responders to determine other ways that The Salvation Army can be of assistance. Officials are also evaluating needs at the Thomas & Mack Center, which has been opened up as a shelter.
'We ask that everyone please pray for the families and friends of those who have lost their lives or were injured,' says Lieut-Colonel Kelly Pontsler, leader of the Southwest Division of The Salvation Army's USA Western Territory, 'as well as the first responders and Salvation Army officers and employees who are serving and ministering to the community.'
General André Cox, The Salvation Army's international leader, was travelling in Africa when news came through about the shooting. Calling it an 'appalling, senseless loss of life', the General used his Facebook page to send his and Commissioner Silvia Cox's sympathy to 'all those families and individuals affected - those who have woken up this morning to find a loved one has been cruelly taken from them, and those who are injured in hospital after what should have been a relaxing and enjoyable night out'. He also offered prayer for first responders and medical personnel, and prayed that 'above all, peace and restraint would prevail'.
Information from Las Vegas based on reports from www.newfrontierchronicle.org
