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'Praise be to God the things that he is doing right now:' Prayer vigil held for missing firefighters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Families of missing firefighters Brian McCluney and Justin Walker say they are overcome with gratitude for the way so many people have come together to find them after they didn't return from a fishing trip off the Port of Canaveral Friday.

Action News Jax Courtney Cole was there as family, friends and loved ones gathered at the Jacksonville Fire Fighter Hall for a prayer vigil on Tuesday evening.

While we're not allowed inside of the vigil out of respect and privacy for the families during this difficult time, Cole said the parking lot was full of cars that showed up to support the firefighters' families.

Tuesday marked Day 5 of the search.

McCluney's wife Stephanie expressed her confidence in God's power to bring Brian and Justin home.

"It's not manpower, it's God power—and he's doing amazing things," Stephanie said.

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She believes God is doing those amazing things through the help of all the volunteers in the community.

"We cannot express the gratitude from the bottom of our hearts, that these operations, that these agencies have given, from fire departments up-and-down the coast," Stephanie told Action News Jax.

On Tuesday alone, JFRD said 200 people, 75 boats and 11 aircrafts covered nearly 13,000 square miles, determined to find the firefighters.

Walker's firefighter brothers from Fairfax County have also now stepped in to help.

"Praise be to God the things that he is doing right now amongst all of these people," Stephanie said.

After returning from the Mayport Marina, Stephanie McCluney and Justin Walker's parents gathered at the Jacksonville Fire Fighter hall for a prayer vigil.

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Inside, family and friends leaned on one another, local Jacksonville firefighters and grief counselors as they hoped and prayed for the news of their loved ones rescue.

On Tuesday evening, Stephanie called on the community to continue their support, so search efforts can continue on Wednesday.

"We've got to get one eye to see, all it takes is one eye, but it takes a multitude out there. It's a big space, it is a bigger God, and he is going to bring them home," Stephanie told Cole.

Stephanie said words could not even begin to adequately express not only their gratitude and renewed sense of strength—seeing everyone working together day-in-and-day-out— on behalf of her husband Brian and his friend Justin.

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