How we’re doing
I volunteered to write a blog so y’all can know how we are doing. I’m not exactly sure how to start this. Usually when I write a prayer letter or blog, I try to start with something engaging. But honestly I don’t feel like being engaging right now. So i’ll just tell you how we are. It feels very strange to have so many people wondering how our little (and relatively insignificant in the scheme of things) team is doing. It’s encouraging, but a little weird too.
Yesterday was the longest and most stressful day of my life up to this point. It started when I received a call in the middle of our weekly staff meeting from another staff on our team who wasn’t attending the meeting telling us that 1 was killed and 8 injured. So we turned on the tv, and watched horrified as the truth of it all came out in waves. First, only 1 dead, then all the sudden 20?! I felt as if i’d been punched in the gut. Most of us were to much in shock and disbelief to cry, or do anything really but curse or stare at the tv and answer our phones that rang off the hook from concerned friends and family. Strangely, I had had a dream the night before about a gunman mowing people down at random, but I actually have disturbing dreams like that often, so I forgot about it until the middle of the day. I heard about one of our students who witnessed his entire class blown away, and he alone was unharmed (physically). I was sickened to think about what he endured and will continue to remember for the rest of his life. I had to call all my girls to find out if they were alive. That was a very sobering and surreal time. I never thought i’d have to do something like that. Our director’s birthday is this week, so we had cake at dinner time, which was a nice happy break. However, our happy birthday song was probably the most pitiful of all time.
Yesterday I felt numb and in shock. Today I am overwhelmed with sadness and stress. I woke up this morning to the radio playing messages from students and community members just kind of sharing their experience and how they were feeling, and read a few messages from some famous country singers, and were just talking about the event. The adrenaline of yesterday had subsided, and I was just left with the reality of what had happened. I also found out first thing this morning that one of the students in our movement was confirmed dead. I was anxious for but also dreading finding out the names, and it was a terrible moment. We had some regional and national CCC staff come to help us through this time, so we met up with them at our office and just shared how we were doing. Our team is very close and very much a family, so it was great for us all to be together and process a little together. We expressed fears about being clueless about how to respond, feeling pressured by the media attention we’ve gotten, we cried, prayed. I wish we could have done that for longer. Moving into “work mode” was excruciating for me. I keep thinking, how can I minister and love and care for these students, when I need those things myself?
Last night we had a prayer time with our students and those from the baptist college ministry here. The students seem to be experiencing a range of emotions. At that time, most names of the dead had not been released, but the students knew some of their friends who were missing. Some were weeping, some were just still so numb and shocked. But the prevailing thing I see among the students and the entire community is just an overwhelming feeling of sadness. Today it seems like people haven’t been talking as much. It’s just been quiet. I mean, what can you say? There’s no need to ask, “how are you?” as we customarily do more as a greeting than out of an actual desire to know the answer to that question. We already know the answer. We’re all doing terrible.
We have confirmation that three of our students have been killed, and one other unofficially. We also know of three other survivors but witnesses to people being murdered. I knew three of the four students personally who died. In fact, I spoke with two of the girls just Sunday about their bible study leader applications for next year. One of the dead was led by one of the girls I lead. I called her, and we just cried on the phone together after hearing the news. Again, there just aren’t any words. I’ve heard students say that they feel like their feeling of safety has been yanked out from under them. Blacksburg is an incredibly safe town. Sometimes, Paul and I leave our door unlocked at night, and when we wake up its like “eh, oops”. No big deal. Everyone feels very safe here, especially in their classes! Having that taken away dramatically has been really painful and very scary.
You may be wondering what we’re doing to help our students through this time. Honestly, it is so fresh that most of us haven’t even thought this far, and are wanting to process and grieve ourselves. Thankfully, we received some grief counciling resources to help us. Here is a copy of part of what we received that I thought was really helpful right now:
1. Recognizing the event has occurred. Work with your campus public relations office to release a general statement about the incident and its anniversary. You can also coordinate candlelight vigils and hold prayer meetings (if appropriate for your campus culture). In fact, student organizations are often willing to plan and implement these types of events.
2. Getting students talking! Whether you ring in counselors to hold mini-discussions in he residence halls or frame the discussion as art of a public forum, it is important to get
students talking about their feelings and concerns. Encourage faculty not to ignore the issue in their classrooms—especially since some traumatic events and crises may be relevant to course readings and discussion. Initial conversations may already have occurred—just be sure that the talking continues as students face different coping needs.
3. Encouraging students to volunteer. Often students feel as if the only way they can help is by volunteering for a cause. This seems to be especially important in times of local, national, or global crisis. For example, students at colleges and universities throughout the Southern Appalachian Region often collect items for the victims of flooding in local communities. Depending upon the circumstances and the type of crisis, students may also choose to give blood, hold food drives, raise funds, and/or circulate petitions.
4. Making your staff accessible. Encourage your staff members to get out of their offices and wander around campus. A visit to the residence halls is sometimes the only way you can connect with a grieving or distressed student.
5. Referring students to counseling. It is also important that student affairs administrators refer students experiencing feelings of grief to a counselor. This is especially true if students seem to be experiencing any of the symptoms of PTSD (described above). In cases of severe crisis or incidents it may also be helpful to extend the hours of your counseling center.
Thank you for your prayers and support. We feel very encouraged and loved right now!
We feel so much for you all! We are praying for God to comfort and strengthen you, equipping you day by day for what He has for you.
“From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Ps.61:2
We send you our love and prayers,
Mark, Carole, Joel and Anya
Tbilisi, Georgia Crusade staff team
Comment by Carole Watson — April 29, 2007 @ 12:55 am
Dear Wonderful Cru Kids and Staff,
I trained at Virginia Tech with Navigators many years ago…I learned to share Jesus in the dorms there! So did my wife, Carolyn. And my Dad was Captain of the Band in 1939!
GOD has been at work at VA TECH for decades!! So many of us learned to walk wth Jesus there. Pastor Sandy Young at BCF is from my home town..and also met Christ thru Crusade at Tech.
Amazingly, after an absence of over 25 years and now ministering in Texas, God led us TWICE to stop and visit Va Tech in 2006…like GOD was preparing US to intercede for you. Our hearts are there with you!
We send our love! II Thess. 3:3 “GOD is faithful, Who will establish you..”
Jack, and Carolyn Hill
Comment by Jack Hill — April 22, 2007 @ 11:14 pm
Dearest Niece Cynthia,
Aunt Marie and I are praying for you and the entire CCC family and those stricken with grief over this tragedy at VT. We send our prayers to the victims and their families as well. We believe in the power of prayer and we have much comfort knowing that you have such a wonderful support network bestowed by the power of Christ our Saviour. Love and Prayers, Cliff and Marie.
Comment by Cliff Loveland — April 20, 2007 @ 12:16 am
We’re staff with CCC in New Zealand and are praying for you all and have been so encouraged in this time of tragedy by the stories of the amazing staff and students involved with Cru. Our hearts go out to you and wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you constantly.
Comment by Christy — April 19, 2007 @ 10:57 pm
This is the scripture that goes through my mind, “You meant it for evil but God meant it for good to save many alive”. May God give you the strength to be his hands and voice and arms of love to reach many of these people with the message of His love.
Frank Luter GAiN Global Aid Network
Comment by Frank Luter — April 19, 2007 @ 9:39 pm
Dear Cynthia and CCC Staff Members at VA Tech,
Thank you for sharing your heart. It helps us as we pray for you, the other staff, and the Cru movement at Tech. May God surround you with his compassion and love during this time of grief. My wife and I are also on staff with CCC and on behalf of the other staff of Global Aid Network (GAiN), we send our love and our prayers.
We pray that you will be embraced by God’s large arms of love and hope. Blessings.
Duane Zook
Comment by Duane Zook — April 19, 2007 @ 10:25 am
We held a prayer vigil tonight in place of our weekly meeting and
saw MANY new people there to pray for you & comfort each other. Also,
praise the Lord, he brought in 3 out of the 4 main Hawaii news
channels in…so during the 10pm news, most people in Hawaii heard
our prayers & our cries out to God. To Him be the glory.
We are praying for your staff team & thinking of you everyday.
Thank you for your updates & your raw honesty in how you are
doing. God will continue to uphold you everyday as you look
to Him!
Love,
the University of Hawaii Staff Team
(Kent, Erin Matsui and Tricia Kavle)
Comment by UH Manoa Campus Crusade — April 19, 2007 @ 6:35 am
To everyone affected by this tragedy, my prayers go to you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, that through this He will somehow bring his grace upon you and perhaps you can bring more people to know Him. The only relief perhaps is knowing that his precious children are peaceful and happy with him now for all eternity, even though you will miss them so dearly.
Comment by katie — April 18, 2007 @ 11:44 pm
God’s love ..
God’s plan ..
God’s power ..
God’s compassion ..
We’re pray for campus crusade for christ …… virginia tech student..
Comment by korea ccc staff — April 18, 2007 @ 10:08 pm
Thanks for sharing. I don’t know how far Humboldt State is but, the effects are sure felt, in my body, mind, and heart. Our empathy and prayers go out to you all and to the students too.
In Christ Alone,
Ed Beringuel
-Campus Intern-
Comment by Ed Beringuel — April 18, 2007 @ 9:57 pm
My husband, John, and myself are holding you all in our prayers. May the God of all understanding turn this evil into His purpose for good and glory. We ask His tender mercies for the many grieving families and friends, for those who were injured and need healing, for those who saw such carnage, and for those who now fear and question the meaning of life. We pray that a tidal wave of spiritual revival across our nation will follow. Peace to you, in Christ’s name.
Comment by Debby Bowman-Brodman — April 18, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
We are not CC staff, but know and support many CC folks. We in Texas would also like you to know that we’re praying for you at this trying time! Please remember, God is still the God of love and He loves each and every one of those who He has taken home. He also comforts those who seek Him! You are in our prayers!!!!!!
Comment by Terry & Dyna Martin — April 18, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
We just had our Wed. team prayer time for Austin Priority Associates. We continue to pray for your staff team and students for God’s peace and comfort to be so real to you. Please know that we care and our hearts and prayers will continue to go out to you over the coming weeks.
Comment by Teresa Snow — April 18, 2007 @ 5:13 pm
Many Christians here at Penn State are praying for you, including our EPIC CCC group and PS Christian Grads. May the Lord give you peace, comfort, a sense of His presence, wisdom and hope.
Your fellow staff member,
Sandy
Comment by Sandy — April 18, 2007 @ 4:56 pm
Living in Colorado Springs and having been impacted by Columbine only 9 years ago, we can still only imagine the grief, shock and sadness you all are feeling. Marilyn and I (41 years on CCC staff) grieve with you and pray for God’s comfort, peace and guidance as you deal with your own emotions while seeking to bring His comfort and hope to students. It in no way diminishes this tragedy to remember that out of what Satan plans for destruction can be redeemed by God for great good. We are praying to that end.
Comment by Bob Ehle — April 18, 2007 @ 3:21 pm
I’m a student at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC (in the Charlotte Metro region). As you can see, the whole nation and beyond is praying for all of you at VT. God can use this to His ultimate glory. May many come to Him and find comfort in His strength.
-Ashley
Comment by Ashley Barker — April 18, 2007 @ 2:14 pm
I just wanted to let you know that the Chicago Metro staff team prayed for you during our staff meeting yesterday. Thank you for serving the Lord there. We will continue praying for you all.
Mark Covel
Chicago Metro Campus Crusade for Christ
Comment by Mark Covel — April 18, 2007 @ 1:30 pm
The city of Atlanta and Georgia Tech prays for you. 1 Peter 5:7.
Comment by Dustin Reed — April 18, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
On behalf of the of the CCC staff in Western Europe we want you to know we are praying for you and are saddened by all that has happened. We also pray that the light of the world Jesus will shine in and through you and your students as you minister to the community there. We love you guys and stand with you in these difficult days.
Comment by Jesse & Tricia Marcos — April 18, 2007 @ 11:38 am
É completamente chocante essa situação,onde vidas foram arracadas do mundo de uma forma tão brutal.
Estamos orando por vocês,para que Deus console o coração e transforme essa situação em vidas salvas!
Um grande abraço,
No amor do Senhor Jesus.
Débora.
Comment by Débora — April 18, 2007 @ 11:30 am
I am from Brazil and am grieving with all of you. Please know you’re not alone and that God can - and will - be found in the midst of this tragedy. He IS risen.
God bless you all! I love you guys in Christ.
Comment by Thais Felix — April 18, 2007 @ 10:52 am
On behalf of the Upper Midwest Regional office, know that we are interceding on your behalf Cynthia, Paul and the VT team. We pray that God would be a strong tower, a refuge, and a rock to you today as you seek to be strong when you have no strength. May His presence be a source of hope, His steadfast love and faithfulness be a comfort to you today.
Comment by Dan Brun — April 18, 2007 @ 10:31 am
I am a Campus for Christ Member in Jersey…Brookdale. I saw you (plural) on the tube…like the rest of the country…we are with you…yet don’t forget…He is with you.
Comment by Dan — April 18, 2007 @ 9:30 am
Dear brothers,
I´m from Brazil,and it´s really sad for me to watch and read about this tragedy.
I would like to add my condolences for all of you.
i thank God that He can change our sadness in joy, and i know that He has the best thing for everyone who is waiting for His mercy and justice.
I pray that He gives you, Campus Cruzade for Christ students, strengh and power to continue the mission that He gave to you.
You are not alone, we are together as body in Christ!!always!!
Forever and ever!
Love
God bless you
Comment by Juliana Almeida — April 18, 2007 @ 9:19 am
We’re praying for you here in Tokyo, Japan.
Comment by Cam and Kristen Caughlan — April 18, 2007 @ 8:45 am
[…] Peguei a seguinte informação de um blog dos obreiros da Universidade Tecnológica da Virgínia (http://campuscrusadeforchrist.com/virginiatech/how-were-doing/): […]
Pingback by Atualização: confirmado que 3 dos nossos estão entre os mortos « Isaías 42:6 — April 18, 2007 @ 8:34 am
CCC at UF and UCF love you guys and are lifting you up before the throne of grace, mercy, comfort, and love. We pray that God will help you with the existential tension to both grieve and minister simultaneously. Jesus wept and then He raised. God will be glorified and we ask Him to show up in power and might.
Comment by Mike Graham — April 18, 2007 @ 8:20 am
Hi dear brothers,
I´m from Brazil, and have never Known that there was a Campus Crusade group at Virginia Tech. Thank God you´re right there. He is using you all.
We´re really a family… I don´t Know you, don´t Know even a student among the mudered, but I can feel a kind of sadness (never compared to yours) and I´ll pray right now for you.
It´s easy for me to say that “God is on the control of the situation and will use it for his GLORY!”, but it´s true in fact!!
God bless you, my family in Christ.
Comment by Pedro Thompson — April 18, 2007 @ 3:44 am
My husband, Geoff, and I would like to add our condolences for all of you at Virginia Tech. As former staff members, our hearts are still entwined with the Campus Ministry; we will be thinking of you and praying for you in the coming days. May God show Himself in these hours to be faithful, good and the Giver of peace and comfort.
Comment by Susie Martineau — April 18, 2007 @ 3:20 am
The Orlando national team of Student Venture (CCC’s high school ministry) extends our prayers, hearts and support to you guys. The Lord has you and your team there for a reason. We trust Christ will be glorified, even in the midst of tragedy. Thank you for making yourselves available.
Comment by Howard Crutsinger — April 17, 2007 @ 11:29 pm
As former staff of Campus Crusade, I grieve for the campus and for the staff of Va Tech. I can’t imagine the grief and overwhelmed feelings they must have at this time. Let us remember in all of this, that we do not grieve as the world grieves. The world brings in the grief couselors to try and explain why these things happen. We know from Scripture. We live in a fallen and sinned cursed world. What an opportunity for the message of hope in the gospel. What an opportunity for the world to see that the believers turn to the Scriptures for answers and comfort in times of trouble. The all sufficient Scripture has “all we need for life and godliness” I pray for these staff members that they would use Scripture to comfort themselves and those grieving. God is always at work in every situation and may he be our refuge in times of trouble. You are in my prayers.
Comment by Kate Harmon — April 17, 2007 @ 7:02 pm
just letting you know that Long Beach City College Campus Crusade here in California is praying for you!!!
Comment by Katzy Serrano — April 17, 2007 @ 6:14 pm
I am praying for all of you. I just keep praying that God will turn this around and snatch victory and good from the evil satan had planned. That he will regret that he ever caused it. I pray that God will use this to cause many to realize tommorrow is not guaranteed and that now is the time to commit to Christ. That many would reevaluate their priorities and lifestyle and turn to Christ. I pray that more lives would be saved than were lost. I also pray comfort on you and the families and friends of the lost.
Lori J. Dale
Comment by Lori J. Dale — April 17, 2007 @ 5:45 pm