Orlando shooting: Southern Baptist Church near Pulse nightclub helps victims

Chiqui Guyjoco Thursday, June 16, 2016

A Southern Baptist Church located two blocks from the Pulse gay nightclub responded by helping out victims of the Orlando mass shooting that took place Sunday, June 12.

"It was announced in our service that blood was needed, so we encouraged our members to give blood and many did," Pastor Troy Peeples of Delaney Baptist Church told The Christian Post.

People stand during a vigil outside The Stonewall Inn remembering the victims of the Orlando massacre in New York, U.S., June 13, 2016. | REUTERS/SHANNON STAPLETON

The congregation, which has 1,900 members, offered prayers for the victims' families, law enforcement agencies, and first responders during its Sunday's worship service.

"We are looking into ways that we can minister to the various groups impacted by this tragedy," said Peeples.

He added, "Honestly, we are a little overwhelmed! We know that there are and will be many needs and we are praying how best meet some of those needs."

The tragic incident that happened just within walking distance to the church is considered the worst mass shooting in U.S. history. The 29-year-old gunman, Omar Mateen, killed 49 people and injured 53 others before he was killed off by police.

Orlando has received an outpouring of support from across the globe.

According to CNN, hundreds have responded to donate blood for the victims. Local blood bank, OneBlood, hit its capacity already but posted that more blood of the rarer types may be needed in the coming days.

"We've gotten responses from folks all over the world," Ida Vishkaee Eskamani, spokesperson for Equality Florida, told CNN.

Equality Florida is a non-profit organization championing civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. They created the GoFundMe account to help the victims of the Orlando massacre and their families. They have now raised the goal to $5 million after hitting the initial goal of $500,000 in just a few hours.

English actor and comedian James Corden hosted Sunday night the 70th Annual Tony Awardsdedicated to the victims of the Orland shooting.

"Theater is a place where every race, creed, sexuality and gender is equal, is embraced and is loved. Hate will never win. Together, we have to make sure of that. Tonight's show stands as a symbol and a celebration of that principle," said Corden, as he opened for the show.