Thailand (MNN) — Tragedy struck yesterday when a gunman entered a childcare center in northeastern Thailand and killed 36 people, most of them young children.

The assailant was Panya Kamrab, a 34-year-old ex-policeman who was suspended earlier this year on drug possession charges.

He entered the daycare on Thursday allegedly looking for his two-year-old stepson. When he couldn’t find the child, he used his gun and a knife to murder staff members and at least 24 children.

Kamrab then went home and killed his wife and stepson before committing suicide.

It’s the deadliest massacre Thailand has seen of this kind.

Thai children praying at a Good News Club with Child Evangelism Fellowship. (Photo courtesy of CEF)

Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) serves Gospel hope to kids around the world, including Thailand. Tony Villanueva, CEF’s Senior Associate Director of International Ministries, says they are grieving with the nation.

“Our sympathy and prayers go out to the community of Uthaisawan Na Klang, Thailand, following the horrific mass shooting tragedy that occurred at the Child Development Centre earlier today,” Villanueva says. “Our hearts break over the loss of these precious children and childcare workers.”

CEF of Thailand reports that the tragedy took place in a remote village with no church. CEF has reached out to the nearest church to offer help in distributing a Gospel trauma healing booklet to the community and make plans for more outreach.

“Do You Wonder Why?” is a booklet that CEF keeps printed in 54 languages and is already in stock in Thailand.

In the wake of unspeakable devastation, Villanueva calls on believers around the world to pray for mourning Thai communities.

“We continue to pray for their families, and especially, the children affected. CEF Thailand will mobilize to respond in the coming days, sharing the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ with the children in this community.

“Pray with us on behalf of the children, that every child in Thailand would hear the Good News and find comfort in the Saviour.”

 

Header photo of Thailand flag, courtesy of Lawrence Makoona via Unsplash.