WINDER, Ga. — On the first Sunday since the Apalachee High School shooting that killed four people and injured nine, many in the Winder community are turning to their faith for guidance and comfort.
Pastor Robert Harris leads the Pentecostal Deliverance of Faith Church and said that even in sorrow and despair, believers still have the goodness of God on their side.
“It doesn’t matter what the devil tries to bring or attach us with. We still have God on our side," Pastor Harris said.
Pastor Harris' church is just a short distance away from the high school. He said he used Sunday's sermon to remind his parishioners of their strength and resilience -- even in the face of tragedy.
"Just letting people know that they still have power. We don’t have to feel like victims even though we are victims at the same time; we shall become victorious," Pastor Harris said.
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Parishioner Debra Harris said she’s lived in Winder for almost 60 years and has never experienced a tragedy like the one at the high school. She also said it can be easy to question why something happened in devastating moments. However, for her and other Christians, she leans into God's love, support and glory amidst the pain.
She also said she wants everyone to know that relying on a higher power is the way forward.
“Let’s continue to trust in God because he’s the only one who can keep us going, keep us standing and keep us loving one another," Harris said.