It was a small and intimate setting at Pendleton Christian Church. About a dozen people gathered Saturday night to find a source of strength and hope after a senseless tragedy.
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Despite being nearly 800 miles away from Sandy Hook, CT., hearts are hurting.
"It is hard to be this far away because my first instinct is to just wrap my arms around them and let them know that they have support," said Patti Perkins, who attended the vigil. "I think the shock's still there and I think it will be for awhile. It's just like 9-11. It's there."
Through prayer and song, Hoosiers gathered to find some healing just a day after the massacre that killed 28 people. 20 of them were children.
"I know being a parent, you're left with a big hole in your heart," said Patti.
"Even if it's a long ways away, when it's little kids, I think that's the difference," said John Perkins, Patti's husband.
While many are still trying to process what happened, Senior Pastor Jay Harvey said a lot of parishioners are also looking for answers.
"Especially this time of year, I think hearts are open," said Harvey. "They're looking to be comforted. They're looking for somebody to put their arm around them and I've always believed the church is a place where people can come."
This tight-knit Indiana community is doing what they can to spread their love. They will be asking people to sign a prayer journal which Harvey plans to send to the town of Sandy Hook.
"Today there are children who've lost their innocence and darkness has entered their world," said Patti. We need to do something to let them know there is hope."
