South African community holds prayer vigil for 21 lives lost in Uvalde school shooting

SAN ANTONIO – Funeral services for the 21 lives lost in the Uvalde school shooting are underway and grieving families say their last goodbyes to their loved ones. In these dark days, the power of prayer is needed more than ever, according to Pastor Jimmy Robles of Last Chance Ministries.

“They’re going to see the coffin fall, and reality is going to really hit, and it’s going to be terrible, and I hate to say those words,” Robles said.

Robles along with Last Chance Ministries and Benjamin’s Right Hand nonprofit organizer Jessica Craven held a prayer vigil Wednesday evening in Woodlawn Park to support those suffering in Uvalde.

Craven and Robles said they know the pain of burying a child.

“Remembering the days when we had to pick up a coffin and walk through the cemetery – we weren’t prepared for that. And I know Uvalde’s parents — they weren’t prepared for that either. All of that is new to them. Their journey is about to begin. My journey was five years, and it’s still not the same,” Robles said.

A d

“There is hope. After these seven long years, God has given me peace and hope, and I just want to share that with them,” Craven said.

Twenty-one angel wings with flowers and a photo of the victims were displayed at the vigil. Many of the people who went to the vigil wore shirts that showed a picture of the children climbing the steps of heaven in front. On the back were the faces of Uvalde’s victims.

The vigil was held at the park to show where deceased students should play and celebrate their summer vacation. The angel wings made for the vigil will be sent to families in Uvalde on Friday.

ALSO ON KSAT.COM

Tribute to the victims of the shooting at Uvalde primary school

‘She’s a hero to everyone’: Tribute to slain teacher Eva Mireles at Robb Elementary

A d

Texas man makes special, custom caskets for Uvalde school shooting victims

Funeral arrangements for the victims of the Uvalde Primary School shooting

Mourners say goodbye to Uvalde’s teacher and her husband

Southwest Texas Girl Scouts posthumously award Uvalde’s victim ‘one of the highest honors’

A d

Five injured victims remain hospitalized a week after Uvalde school shooting