BETHEL, Conn. (AP) The Rev. Clive Calver says five families in his Connecticut church are mourning children who were killed Friday by a gunman at Newtown's Sandy Hook Elementary School.

As president of World Relief before becoming senior pastor of Walnut Hill Community Church, Calver dealt with disasters around the world, but this time he says it's painfully ``close to home.''

His 3,500-member church is raising money and offering counseling to victims' families.

Calver says he prays that the tragedy will turn many hearts to Jesus Christ in a region where the Christian heritage has faded.