DETROIT — The leader of the Mormon congregation in Grand Blanc Township said members are "shaken" and hurting after Sunday's mass shooting and fire that destroyed their church and killed four, but, through faith, "we can find joy again."

Bishop Jeffrey Schaub, in a video released by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said Sunday's attack is likely the largest trial that any of the congregation members will ever face.

"I know that through our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can find joy again. I know that with his help, there can be healing, and I know as we focus on him, we can have joy," Schaub said in the video.

"These are hard times. This is the largest trial any of us will likely endure here in Grand Blanc. But I know that he has overcome all."

Schaub, who is the congregation's lay leader, said he and other members have been overwhelmed by the "astounding" show of support from within the LDS community and from outside of it.

"... Our members are quite shaken in spirit and in body, and it hurts," Schaub said in the video.

"The amount of unity and love that has been shown within our congregation from ward member to ward member is truly a testament of the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ," he continued.

"It's only through him that we can love so deeply during these times of trials. It's been very inspiring the amount of contact we've had with friends, not of our faith."

Schaub never directly spoke of the events that unfolded Sunday morning as his congregation was gathered for what Mormons call a Sacrament Meeting.

Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old Burton man and former U.S. Marine, allegedly rammed his pickup truck into the side of the church building on 4285 McCandlish Road, opened fire and intentionally set fire to the building, police said.

Two police officers, arriving within seconds of the first call for help at 10:25 a.m., engaged in gunfire with Sanford in the church parking lot and shot and killed him, according to authorities.

Ten people were shot, two fatally. Two others died in the church fire. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is probing the incident as an act of "targeted violence," said Reuben Coleman, special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office.

It's unclear how many congregants were inside the church when the attack began, but many of them reportedly fled to safety out the back exit.

Schaub said he returned home late Sunday evening to find dozens of notes and packages, meals and food treats waiting for his family. Members of youth football, baseball and basketball teams, and others reached out "to make sure that our family was OK," he said.

He said meals, drinks, clothing and blankets for children have been provided to the broader congregation, saying it "was very humbling to see how much good there is in the world today."

"Everybody has dropped everything, and this is a true ward family. At this point, we are caring for mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and children," Schaub said, referring to the congregation.

"They're all of ours at this point, and it is fascinating how quickly a request for help is sent, and within seconds, a response is given: 'I'll be there.'"

A spokesman for the national LDS Church didn't have a number Tuesday on how many members the Grand Blanc congregation has, but a typical size would be 300 to 400. An estimated 46,900 Mormons reside in Michigan, where the LDS Church has 99 congregations across the state.

"These are the types of situations you don't think you can carry, and I don't think alone any of us can," Schaub said.

"Outside of the obvious assistance that I know that the Lord is providing. I have felt a tremendous outreach, and I feel that love," Schaub added.

"I know the people around the world are praying for our ward and our families, and I am so grateful for that. It is the most significant time in my life where I have felt the love and prayer of other people."

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