Ridgeland Park Pastor Responds To Mass Shooting

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On Saturday afternoon, a road in Ridgeland Park remained blocked off for hours as police investigated the latest mass shooting involving males under the age of 22.

A car riddled with bullets highlighted the disturbing trend of violence among young men. Less than 24 hours after the scene cleared, the Ridgeland Park community was still filled with a somber atmosphere.

While some residents prepared for church, others went about their Sunday activities.

Apostle Christopher Russell, Senior Pastor of Christian Tabernacle Church, who has been a part of the Ridgeland community for 30 years, was on his way to officiate a wedding at his church just a few buildings down from the crime scene when he received word of the shooting.

“On my way to the church, we were informed of what had taken place, so my son and I had to drive all the way through the Grove here and come around because by then the police were already here,” Russell recalled.

Russell said the area has always had challenges, but he sees the violence escalating. “It goes back for a number of years. My wife and I tried to assist some of the young men in this area before. Some of them, right next to the church, had a car cleaning station, and we bought them things for it. Over the years, it’s unfortunate; it seems they kill one another out, that’s just the way it is.”

Members of his congregation are doing their part with bi-monthly door-to-door evangelism, but Russell said the church is struggling to maintain its influence. “The report has been where they said, ‘Pastor, it’s a hard field.’ Week after week, they say, ‘Pastor, it’s hard out there.’ Some individuals listen, but most don’t want to hear it,” he explained.

For now, Russell and others in the community can only walk in faith amid these chilling realities. “The thing that I do is continue to pray because it bothered me when I came out here. We had people laughing yesterday before the wedding, rejoicing because of the ceremony and people coming together in love and unity. And as I’m walking out here, mothers and families are crying,” he said.