'They Saved So Many Lives' Says Friend of Heroic Teachers in Louisiana Movie Theater Shooting

When Cammie Maturin heard that her two friends saved numerous lives after a gunman opened fire during a screening of the movieTrainwreck in Lafayette, Louisiana, on Thursday, she was far from surprised. 

"They're two people who would go above and beyond for anyone," Maturin tells PEOPLE about Jena Meaux and Allister Viator Martin. "No one can prepare for something like this, but I'm sure they were calm and focused. They have been trained for this." 

The gunman, John Russell Houser, 59, took his own life after killing two people and injuring nine around 7:30 p.m. 

Meaux and Martin from New Iberia, Louisiana, weren't just colleagues – they were great friends. 

"They were very close and would do everything together," says Maturin, 38, who used to teach with both women. "At school they helped out with graduation, homecoming, you name it. They went together like peas and carrots." 

Maturin says "it's something they would totally do" when she was told that one jumped in front of the other to shield her during the shooting, while the other was able to pull the fire alarm. 

"Even though authorities haven't said it, Jena's sister posted on Facebook that she pulled the alarm. It makes sense because Jena is much taller. They both knew what they had to do," she says. 

"Her friend literally jumped over her and, in her account, actually saved her life," Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said at a press conference, according to ABC News. "If she hadn't done that ... that bullet, she believed it would have hit her in the head." 

Both teachers had been shot when one pulled the alarm. 

According to Maturin, Jena is a mother of two young boys. 

She set up a GoFundMe page for both women. She also wants to set up accounts for other victims. 

"They saved so many lives," she says. "Everyone is coming together. I know they will bounce back even though it will take a while. They're so strong and will have a new sense of what life is all about." 

WE NEED YOUR HELP

PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS FAMILY. Wilfredo Lima was diagnosed with a brain tumor and needs a brain surgery. He is a father of two and is in need of financial assistance to have this surgery. The community has be called upon to assist as a fundraiser is been organized for this Friday in Corozal Town, Belize.

All prayers and financial assistance are welcomed.

Monetary donations should be sent to this gofundme account:  http://www.gofundme.com/3u5demsa4

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU.

ANSWERED PRAYERS produced by Roma Downey airs on TLC

A new series filled with real life situations in which prayers have been answered has aired on TLC/ Thanks to the producer, Roma Downey, we are able to enjoy acts of God's Love in the form of miracles He has performed for those who pray and ask for His intervention!

BOBBI KRISTINA DIES AT 22

AFTER BEING ON LIFE SUPPORT FOR SIX MONTHS, BOBBI KRISTINA BROWN DIED LAST NIGHT.

WHITNEY HOUSTON AND BOBBI KRISTINA BROWN ...THE MOTHER AND DAUGHTER HAVE NOW BOTH DIED UNDER SOMEWHAT SIMILIAR SITUATIONS!

REST IN PEACE, BOBBI KRISTINA, GONE TOO SOON!!!

BOBBI KRISTINA'S FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD IN ATLANTA THEN SHE WILL BE LAID TO REST NEXT TO HER MOTHER, WHITNEY HOUSTON, IN NEW JERSEY.

Tears Flow When Kids Serenade Their Teacher Fighting Cancer

by GENEVIEVE SHAW BROWN GENEVIEVE SHAW BROWN More From Genevieve » Travel & Lifestyle Editor via GOOD MORNING AMERICA Sometimes students drive their teachers to tears for all the wrong reasons. But in this case, these kids gave Adriana Lopez all the right reasons to cry. The PS22 chorus from the largest public elementary school in Staten Island, New York -- made up of 65 fifth-graders -- serenaded Lopez, who is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. They chose the Martina McBride song "I'm Gonna Love You Through It." The Martina McBride song has become an anthem for breast cancer awareness, so the song selection made perfect sense," said Gregg Breinberg, director of the PS22 chorus. "Lisa [Kochman, who filmed the video] and I felt the kids were up to the emotional and physical challenge of bringing that song to life for her as a gesture of support for Adriana's extreme dedication to her students." "Even on days when she was sick and fatigued, she would bring herself to work and give her everything to her students," said Breinberg. "She is a beautiful and inspiring person and no one deserves such a tribute more than she." Lopez could not be reached for comment by ABC News. The video, posted to YouTube on Tuesday, has been viewed over 1 million times. "The kids were very emotional while practicing the song, lots of tears, they're very sensitive, very soulful little people," Breinberg said. "Don't let their ages fool you. And they kept it together when she came in for the performance and showered her with hugs and flowers after it was over. It was a moment no one in the room will ever forget."

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING A GREAT PART OF MY LIFE AND TO THE DIVINE INFANT FOR BEING MY MESSENGER TO GOD

Last year I was getting frustrated with no work and a lifestyle slowly slipping away from me. Pain suddenly began to take control of my life.

I found comfort in walking early in the mornings and as I walked I found time to pray. I was drawn to the Virgin Mary and remembered prayers to her that I use to say when I was a very young girl attending St.Catherine's Academy in Belize City.

One day, I saw a picture of the Divine Infant and felt drawn to her and read up all the information on her. I soon found myself praying to La Divina Infantita as she is known in Spanish.

Shortly after I found myself speaking to someone and next I was given the opportunity to help care for an elderly stroke victim. As she struggled with her illness and went back and forth to the hospital I grew in faith and prayed everyday with this little old lady. We sang religious songs and prayed every morning to greet the new day and to thank God for all he was doing for us. Then, at night, we did the same to ask for God's protection as we slept.

Eventually, I began to pray for the Blood of Jesus to wash over me and take my pain away. Two weeks ago I realized I no longer was suffering from sciatica pain and I can only thank Jesus for his miracle for me.

PRAYER IS ALWAYS THE ANSWER. IT IS ALWAYS THE WAY TO RECOVERY OF SELF AND INCREASES YOUR SERVICE TO GOD!