It’s not the phone call anyone would want to receive. “Gina, you need to sit down,” the voice on the other end of the line said.It was a friend calling and not even a close one but when anyone hears those words, you expect disaster to follow.The call was to tell Gina Spence that three young men, including her son-in-law, Jamaican-born James (Junior) Lawes, had just been shot and was lying on the ground, bleeding. Her daughter, Greashena, was already there, and in desperate need for her momma.With no transportation, a stranger at the scene volunteered to take Greashena to go get her mom, and then head to the hospital to await the news of Junior’s condition.It was a complete turn from just a few hours before, when Junior had given Gina a ride to work.“Greashena’s birthday was in a week, and he was very focused on making it special,” Gina shared, a bit misty-eyed thinking back to the moment a little over a year ago.James had joined the family officially just a few months before when he married Gina’s daughter, Greashena, and took on her son, as if he was his own.“He was saying how special it felt to be in this family,” Gina added. “Greashena was his queen.”And now, only a few hours later, Junior was fighting a life-or-death battle at the hospital.Looking back at those last moments shared with Junior, Gina says: “Things like that are amazing moments that God provides.”In fact, Gina sees the whole situation, as heart-breaking as it has been for her and her whole family, and can look back and see the faithfulness of God in every step, as well as his loving provision throughout.“After I got the call, I prayed, ‘Lord, take these natural eyes of mine and show me you . . . give me peace’.”When her daughter arrived with their good samaritan to take them both to the hospital, Gina says her daughter was just overwrought. Sitting behind her in the car, she placed her hands on her daughter’s shoulders and began to pray, again.“At that point, I believe God stepped in.”Things went from bad to worse once they arrived at the hospital where there were now three, and then soon after, four, families waiting for news.Not wanting to point fingers or blame anyone, Gina said: “The hospital wasn’t equipped; the police weren’t equipped. It was like a house was on fire and there was no water in the hose.”Gina felt the burden of not only dealing with her own grief and supporting her daughter, but also the other families waiting as well. However, the arrival of a dear friend, Brother Scott, provided her, and everyone, some much needed spiritual support.“He was definitely a great lifter for me.”The family continued to see more blessings from God. After surgery and multiple blood transfusions, Junior was finally moved to the intensive care unit, where he survived for another 24 hours, allowing Greashena time to spend with her husband and say goodbye.“God really had given a period of grace. I know he was saved, and that he could hear; he looked of grace. I know he was saved, and that he could hear; he looked at peace... When man can’t explain, that’s grace. My faith was being tested, but my faith . . . I was blown away . . . you just knew it was God. There was always that faith-peace that, after you go through the natural response, that you could rest in.”After James’ passing, the next challenge was for Greashena and her son to take James’ body back home to his parents in Jamaica.“God had orchestrated everything there was that love and peace that surpasses all understanding, and we could see scripture coming to life off the page.”As Gina joined her daughter in Jamaica for Junior’s home-going, another sadness was turned into a blessing. Her dear friend, famed gospel artist Septimus and his family had to return home to Jamaica just a year prior, and now, he had the opportunity to provide and care for Gina and her family during this very difficult time.After about nine days of celebrating Junior’s life, in traditional Jamaican style, it was time for the final home-going service. In the planning, Greashena asked her mom to dance at the funeral to a song she had danced to several times before, “Stand”.Dance the one form of art and creativity at the very heart of Gina’s soul was one of the best ways she could say good-bye.“I wanted to dance like I’ve never danced before,” Gina said.The year since has continued to test Gina and her family, even more, when almost to the day, she lost her great-nephew, footballer Randy Robinson, in a shooting this past March.However, although she originally wanted to fully retire from the public eye, Gina has found a new purpose for life in finding a way to support those left behind, especially the children of victims, but also the children of perpetrators.Gina strongly believes that it is God who can turn things around in Bermuda, but He works through His people, the church.“At this stage, I truly believe things are going to get better. But it’s going to require believers first. We have to head this thing. What’s stopping us from leading this?”She believes that what is stopping Bermuda is that many are detached from what is truly happening, and urges churches to drop their denominational walls and to end their detachment from what is really happening in Bermuda.“I know a lot of churches are doing a lot of things to reach out to the community, but we will only see ‘real’ change when we truly unify put aside our denominational banners, and humble ourselves as the body of Christ; for the Bible teaches us it’s by what every joint supplies, a divided house can not stand in or outside of the church! People are searching for hope, love and peace in our community.“We need people with an unadulterated belief in what God has called us to do. I encourage the body of Christ and our amazing men of God who teach and preach, to PROVE God in this thing.”She looks to not very long ago when Bermuda’s believers came together over gambling.“We’ve already proven that when something is happening that we want to change or challenge, we can. It’s the same idea.”Her nephew, Randy Spence, father of Randy Robinson, agrees.“In my opinion, because I’m a believer, things are gonna get better,” he said. He believes that, eventually, people will get tired of it all, especially as it hits closer and closer to home. He also calls on parents, who know their kids are up to no good, to stop condoning the behaviour and turn their kids in, an action that, though very difficult, is really the best and helps put a stop to the violence.The Spence family wish to express their thankfulness for all their family and friends who have offered unwavering support over the last 15 months, especially their church, New Creation Worship Center, and pastors Apostle Jimmy and Maybelle Denwiddie, who have been an amazing support team and resource.