In the early morning hours of New Year’s Day 2025, New Orleans became the scene of a terrorist attack when an offender drove his truck through the crowded sidewalks of the historic French Quarter.
At least 14 people were killed and 30 injured, including two officers, before the suspect was killed in an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.
Mike Clark, a crisis trained strategic chaplain coordinator with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and a team of chaplains from across the country responded to the incident. Clark, who has a doctorate in crisis counseling, stated he arrived at the scene within hours of the attack where families of victims were gathering to mourn.
“It was very solemn,” he said. “Just a lot of tears. A lot of disbelief that something like this could be wrapped up and conceived in someone’s mind.”
Responding to the call
Chaplains with BGEA Rapid Response Team prayed with and ministered to citizens, police officers and EMS personnel who were affected by the attack. Clark was honored to pray for the citizens of New Orleans during “Pray for the Nation” — a special TV program hosted by Tony Perkins.
Dr. Clark, born in Lincoln County, is a retired law enforcement and served as an SBC pastor for 25 years. Since June 2002 he has served as the Director of Missions for the William Carey Baptist Association, which includes churches in Lincoln County, Tennessee, as well as several surrounding counties. He has served with BGEA for the past 20 years.
“We respond to the call,” said Clark, “Wherever that is, that’s what we are called to do as the church, as followers of Christ.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by Baptist and Reflector.
