Wyoming News

Wyoming town supports abducted girl at candlelight service

Posted: Oct 11, 2012 9:03 AM by David Jay - MTN News

CODY, WY - As federal and Wyoming law enforcement search for the suspect, the Cody community banded together to show support for the young victim of an abduction and her family.

Community members gathered Wednesday night for prayer, song and silent reflection. Some expressed outrage directed at the suspect, but realized it was more important to bring people together.

An estimated 300 to 500 people came out to the Park County Complex, as the Big Horn Radio Network, after hearing from listeners, asked the Cody Ministerial Association to help with the service.

The abduction has led to parents be even more vigilant when picking up their kids at school.

The idea of the vigil was hope, healing, prayer and community.

"The community is definitely coming together and asking ourselves, what can we do as an action moving forward," said David Koch, news director of the Big Horn Radio Network. "So we don't have as much reaction. In other words, what can we do to prevent something that happened here recently from happening to our own family."

"I think it's just a good thing to bring people together," said Jacquie Lee, who sang at the vigil. "Just show support for the family and each other and rally together as a community."

"For the pastors, we're really wanting to direct the community that we need to turn towards the Lord," said Pastor Kenny Lee of the Cody 4-Square Church. "We need to seek god, and seek him to wholeness and healing in our community."

When Pastor Keith Twigg spoke, the 11-year-old girl who had been abducted was at the podium with him. He told the gathering that she wanted to show everyone she was alright.

Many hugged the family and the girl after the service and saw something everyone appreciated, the child was smiling.