In May, 2000, the town...
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In May, 2000, the town of Walkerton, Ontario, gained worldwide attention when almost 50 percent of its population became sick as a result of the E. coli bacteria in the water. As you can imagine, the town was swamped by the number of newspaper reporters. Also radio and television news crews came to report on how Walkertonians were handling what was the largest outbreak of E. coli in Canada.
Many of the newscasters were surprised by the visibility of Walkerton's pastors. They accompanied families who followed loved ones to major health centers. They stood beside families who grieved the loss of loved ones who died from the bacteria. They supported all those who were hurting, and they were invited to sit in the various committees, which were formed to help the community survive.
One journalist asked, "Do Walkerton's pastors always support those who are hurting, even if they are not members of their own parish?"
--Conroy
Many of the newscasters were surprised by the visibility of Walkerton's pastors. They accompanied families who followed loved ones to major health centers. They stood beside families who grieved the loss of loved ones who died from the bacteria. They supported all those who were hurting, and they were invited to sit in the various committees, which were formed to help the community survive.
One journalist asked, "Do Walkerton's pastors always support those who are hurting, even if they are not members of their own parish?"
--Conroy
