Prayer Meeting
Today we had a campus ministry prayer meeting in the center of the drill field, where 150+ students from different religious faiths came together to pray. We split the students into groups with those who were of the same faith, and prayed for the victims’ families, the family of the murderer, the VT administration and the VT campus.
I was again struck by the sorrow that is hanging over all of us here. The students are mourning the loss of their friends, their sense of security, and longing for things to get back to “normal”.
One very frustrating thing about the prayer time was the overwhelming presence of the media. We didn’t choose the drill field for media attention at all, but unfortunately that seems to be one of the central hubs for all activity related to the incident on campus right now. The cameramen were attempting to be respectful, but how can one pray when a strange man is poking a camera in your face and holding a boom microphone over your head? It was incredibly distracting to say the least, but I found it refreshing to be together with the students, talking to God and fellowshipping with each other.
Tonight we have another Cru only prayer time in the chapel, which is right off the drill field. However, we are restricting access to the media for this time. Our students need to meet with the Lord together in an undistracting environment. We are all ready for life to get back to normal. I fear for what that means though, that it will never be the same here again. I’ll just have to trust the Lord that time heals wounds. However, I think the media leaving will be a huge sigh of relief for most of us, though we know that if the tables were turned, we’d want to know what was going on as well.
People here in Tokyo were quite shocked to hear of the tragedy on your campus. I’m the national prayer coordinator for Japan Campus Crusade for Christ, and I have sent out a request for prayer to our staff throughout the country. We pray our Lord will comfort all of you, and draw many to Himself through these circumstances. Please know that we, your brothers and sisters in Japan, are standing with you and praying for you.
Comment by Kevin & Peggy Grip — April 19, 2007 @ 7:55 am
I am a local pastor who attended the prayer meeting and I thought Jeff did an excellent job of both dividing us into appropriate prayer groups and in handling the media as best he could. God’s blessings on your more private time in prayer together. Our church continues to pray for you all!
Chris Hutchinson
Grace Covenant Presbyterian
Blacksburg
Comment by Chris Hutchinson — April 18, 2007 @ 11:06 pm
We will be holding a prayer vigil this Friday for you all @ Humboldt State football field.
Ed Beringuel
-Campus Intern-
Comment by Ed Beringuel — April 18, 2007 @ 9:47 pm
Our deepest symphathies to you all. Across the country at San Jose State University in California, we are having campus-wide unity event tomorrow and will be praying for you!
Comment by Robby Valderrama — April 18, 2007 @ 6:58 pm
I am so sorry for your loss, especially one that seems so senseless. I do know from things in my own life that God does heal woungds, even ones that are so deep and leave lifelong scars. It will take some time and much prayer. Know that I am praying for you and your students and have shed some tears for the stuggles that those left behind are going to have to face. As Christians it may seem that we are facing these things alone, but God is right here with us, just like He promised. I wish that I could be there to hug every student, but this email is a hug for every single student.
Comment by Krista — April 18, 2007 @ 6:56 pm
Cynthia our prayers go out to you and everyone there. I just read over your Blog and I can feel strength and conviction for the Lord in your words. During trajedies like this the emptiness
in the pit of your stomach is only temporary. God will fill the hole as he works through you to help others. Always remember that God was there during the flood, in the firery furnace and in the desert so trust that he is there with you also. You are a strong young lady to publish the Blog and offer a shoulder for others. Trust me when I tell you that God will give you the strength to continue on as long as you keep your eye on the Cross. I will pass on the prayer request to my friends
and if you see a specific request that we need to pray for please let us know.
A big hug and the promise of prayers go out to all of you. Your friend, Tony
Comment by Tony McDuffie — April 18, 2007 @ 5:48 pm