SOUTH POINT, Ohio (WSAZ) – After tragedy, people in the community often want to be a bright light in a dark time.

Community still reeling from ripple effects after police say parent Joshua Collins was stabbed South Point Elementary School Principal Bill Christian last week.

A crowd gathered to pray for students and staff at South Point Elementary School Tuesday night, just feet away from where the violence unfolded at the school entrance.

“It’s God’s people asking God and coming together,” local pastor Ryan Byers said.

He reiterated the power of prayer in his sermon during the prayer vigil.

“Mr. Christian is loved by this community and his students, and it is a testament to God’s goodness that everyone sees him heal,” Byers said.

Byers said the prayer vigil was the idea of ​​a local teacher who helped coordinate resources between various local churches to make it happen.

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