A Call to Prayer
In times like these we desperately need God - we need God to meet with us, to comfort us, and to give us perspective. We need to look heavenward to the One who can give grace and pour out His mercy in our time of need.
In view of this, the leadership of Campus Crusade for Christ invites you to join together sometime this Thursday in a concerted gathering to call on God. Perhaps you could invite others in your community to join together with the staff, students, alumni, and laypeople throughout our country to call on the Lord to work in this very difficult situation.
I also think it would be an incredible testimony and blessing to the Virginia Tech community to know there has been such an outpouring of love demonstrated by prayer.
So if God is leading you to join us, would you mind leaving a comment to let us know that you are joining us in prayer? Would you let us know the location (city, state) you will be praying and leave an encouraging note for our Campus Crusade for Christ community at Virginia Tech?
I want to extend my deepest, sincerest sympathy to all the families and friends of Virginia Tech. Please know that our hearts are broken for your loss and that your loved ones will always be in our prayers. You do have people who care and grieve with you all over this campus and the world. God Speed To You All. Maryann
Comment by Maryann — April 20, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
Dear families, We are saddened deeply for your losses; please be kind to yourselves for a very long time. Every feeling you have is true; I pray for caregiving people to be called to your side in sweet, and sometimes, in silent understanding. Not just for a week or a few months…but,for years. We pray that the love of Jesus Christ permeates your being, Kathi & Todd
Comment by kathi gibbons — April 20, 2007 @ 3:39 pm
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comofort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over inito our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Comment by Kendra — April 20, 2007 @ 3:38 pm
I was on staff with the Navigators at Kent State University for two years, so in a small way, I feel like I know where VT could be in 20 or 30 years. The May 4, 1970 shootings of 4 people during a Vietnam War protest have defined that campus. In many ways, the administration and even the town refuse to move on, despite the fact that current and recent students would like to.
I am praying (along with my entire workplace at Nav HQ) that VT and the Blacksburg community will be known for the depth of Love and forgiveness, not just what happened on Monday. I am seeing it continuously through interviews and comments from students there. I am praying for all of you and the other organizational staff, for your interactions with students, for the trickle-down effect that is sure to occur as students try to return so some sense of normalcy. It is a sad opportunity to turn people toward Jesus, but I believe we have seen in past events (9/11, tsunami, Katrina) just how much God can and will be glorified through tragic circumstances. Christ’s own death was viewed by many to be terribly violent and inexplicable. But God chose to use it to bring us all to Him. I am praising God in advance for the glory we cannot yet see.
Comment by Kate — April 20, 2007 @ 3:32 pm
Class of ‘91, praying for you out in Redmond, WA
My heart breaks this week to see one of the places on this earth that I most fondly remember linked with the words massacre, tragedy, murder and evil. My prayers for comfort and peace are with the families and students who have lost children and friends. More important than our common Hokie bond is the eternal link we share through Christ. Though the ones we know who were believers are gone from this earth now, we have the comfort and hope of knowing that we will see them again. May God be glorified for the lives that were lived for Him.
Comment by Kevin McDowell — April 20, 2007 @ 3:24 pm
Praying for all involved and touched by this act. Satan will use anything or anybody to do his destructive work BUT GOD said “And we know that in all things GOD works for the good of those who love HIM, who have been called according to HIS purpose.” Romans 8:28 GOD BLESS
Comment by DebbiSu Cassady — April 20, 2007 @ 3:24 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
As parents we grieve with you….
praying for you in Centre County, PA.
Comment by Toni Herzing — April 20, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
I pray that the Lord comfort you in your time of suffering, and know that you are nnot alone. Millions around the country, including myself, are here to support you. I pray for everyone affected, I even pray for the family of the shooter. YOu have been in the Prayers here at San Diego State University. Lord be with you…
Comment by Lena Awad — April 20, 2007 @ 2:43 pm
I pray for the Students and family members that they forgive the shooter and I pray for the peace of those who will be a witness for those who don’t know Jesus.
Comment by JoAnn — April 20, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
Just wanted you to know you have been in our family’s prayers all week and also were lifted up this very morning by a Body and Soul(Christian Work out group) class.
May the Lord strenghthen you give you His grace and peace!!
Praise Him that He can turn death to life!
Comment by Chris Sherrill — April 20, 2007 @ 2:21 pm
I was on staff at Va Tech w/CCC ‘87-’89 and I still can’t believe what has ensued this week by a hand and heart of vengeance. Please know I am praying for God to comfort you in the depths of your hurting hearts and give you hope amidst the sorrow. God’s heart is toward you and He has not left you. Is.66:13 says “As a mother comforts her child so I will comfort you.” I pray The Lord will hold you, hug you, hear your cries and speak to you His words of life and love.
Standing with you in prayer -
Kathy (Kehoe) Attardi
Comment by Kathy (Kehoe) Attardi — April 20, 2007 @ 2:19 pm
May God’s love, grace and peace cover the staff working with these families and students and may these families and students feel the strength and love of the prayers pouring out for them today.
Comment by Carolyn — April 20, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
Prayer that hearts will hear God’s word through the greif, and Prayer for strenght and confort for all the people involved. from Austin, Texas
Comment by Robert — April 20, 2007 @ 1:50 pm
Prayers everyday for you from Bloomington,IL. Hope you’ll gird for the long haul and look after your own needs while you are working so hard for others. (Remeber the stewardess always tells mothers to put the oxygen mask on themselves first before thier kids.) Hard to think of yourselves at this time, we know, but you’ll burn out if you don’t. Past experience is that many on campus probably won’t really grasp all that’s happened until some time later. Your care and support will be needed for a long time. Please keep your prayer needs posted for all of us to keep holding you up to Him who promises to sustain us all with a never ending supply.
Comment by George and Mary Lou Farnsworth — April 20, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
Campus Crusade at Kansas State University is praying with and for you. Our hearts are with you. God knows that your hearts are broken and He also knows what you will need to heal. May He bless you through this time.
Comment by Megan — April 20, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
May the Spirit of Life support us during these days of sorrow and recovery. May we be enabled to refrain from blame, instead turning to consoling each other. May the memories of those who lost their life come to give comfort to their friends and families.
Comment by Rabbi Emily Feigenson — April 20, 2007 @ 1:20 pm
I, too, am a mother and my heart breaks for every parent who lost a child. This is one of those times when God doesn’t seem to make sense, but He sees a bigger picture. Our minds can’t wrap around whatever it is. I pray for you all in this horrendous loss you are all experiencing. Look heavenward during these dark days. Many are praying for you and will continue to pray for you.
Comment by Debbie Landers — April 20, 2007 @ 1:10 pm
You all are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time, from Frisco, TX
Comment by Lila Farmer — April 20, 2007 @ 1:07 pm
As the bell of rememberance tolls, we call hundreds to join us in Prayer Friday 20th April. Our world is “ill”. We have what it needs. Salvation through Christ alone. He brings hope, help and healing. Dolores from Henderson, NV
Comment by Dolores Bowen — April 20, 2007 @ 12:56 pm
Lord, we also lift up prayers for the shooter’s family. May they be comforted, protected and prayed for by all of us as Believers in Jesus. May they come to You, if they have yet to know You personally. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Comment by Alissa — April 20, 2007 @ 12:35 pm
I’m Still Here
Friend, please don’t mourn for me
I’m still here, though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I’m always near.
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I’ll never wander out of your sight-
I’m the brightest star on a summer night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach-
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.
I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you’ll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there’s no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face.
Just look for me, friend, I’m everyplace!
Comment by Just Bob — April 20, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
Loving memories never die,
as years roll on and days go by;
In my heart a memory is kept,
of one I loved and will never forget!
- Marion S. (Sedlick) Lebel
Comment by Gerry Lebel — April 20, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
God’s family is united as we pray for healing and as we watch for many more brothers and sisters to join OUR family due to this terrible tragedy. God has placed you, Cynthia to be here for this purpose. I love you and will be praying specifically for you as you and your husband minister. Love ya, Aunt Becky
Comment by Becky Sloan — April 20, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
Praise God for Campus Crusade for Christ as you minister God’s GRACE (God’s Response and Care Everyday)! As the world watches, we are praying that Jesus Christ will be high and lifted up, magnified and glorified through this tragedy and that many will come to know our awsome Savior. Jesus makes all the difference when something so unthinkable like this happens. Hokie Hope is found in Jesus!
Sarah - Richmond, VA
Comment by Sarah — April 20, 2007 @ 11:58 am
Unfortunately it is too late to pray for the shooter, but we can pray for his family and pray that we can have a forgiving spirit and also to seize opportunites to witness to all people about what Jesus can do for them.
Comment by Sarah — April 20, 2007 @ 11:50 am