Many turn to faith after Conn. shooting

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - "It really broke my heart, to see and hear of so many little children that lost their lives," said Deacon Grady Thompson from the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

It is a heartbreak felt by all, as Western New Yorkers try to come to grips with what happened Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary.

Churches are fast becoming emotional triage centers; clergy members tending deep spiritual wounds.

Pastor Greg Fulgham from the House of Prayer, Praise & Worship says, "Some people were upset. Some people were just frustrated. Everybody appears to be at a loss, at this point."

Reverend David Lucas from Friendship Missionary Baptist Church says, children need their parents' love and reassurance, "It's important that we discuss it with our children, be open with them. Let them know that it's okay; everybody that we meet in life is not bad."

Don't just talk, Reverend Lucas counsels and continues to say, "Listen. We as parents must listen, more than we do talking. Just listen to what their kids are saying, what's in their hearts, so that we'll be able to address the needs of our community."

Pastor Greg Fulgham is reminding his flock of the power of prayer, asking them to send blessings to the victims' families. "We're going to pray that God will just encourage them, that God will strengthen them, because that's what they need at this time. They need comfort; they need understanding. No doubt there's a lot a of questions -- 'Why did this happen?" he says.

That is one question we may never know why but perhaps we can make this scary world a better place, by modeling kindness and compassion for our children.