Sharing story
I had the chance to share the gospel with Reema, one of the deceased, just about 3 weeks ago. I was taking one of the girls I lead, Ria, sharing in the dorms, and we met Reema. The way we share our faith in the dorms is going through a short interview to get their spiritual background, and if they want more information on Christianity, we take them through a short booklet called “Would you like to know God personally?”. We met Reema, and though I was unsure by her responses where she was spiritually, when I asked her if she’d like to talk more about Christianity, she said, “Sure!” We took her through the booklet, and as we went through it, she said that she had heard this before, and had accepted Christ in the past, though she was having a hard time living it out in college. I, then, told her about the Holy Spirit and how the Bible teaches us that only through leaning on the power of the Spirit moment by moment can we really experience victory in the Christian life. She was very interested in this, and I remember her asking, “So this has worked well in your life?” or something like that. I told her yes! Ria and I had a great conversation with her and left really pumped and encouraged by her openness and honesty! We really believe she had a relationship with Jesus. I really treasure that conversation and experience now. It has really reminded me of the goodness of God. I tell the girls I lead when we go share our faith, “Today is this girl’s lucky day! We are going to give her a chance to have a relationship with God!” I really believe that, and now more than ever. How good of God to give Ria and I the chance to meet this sweet and precious girl, and talk with her about Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and how good of Him to give her that opportunity as well.
Praise God for the way he is using you and the students there at VT - thank you for your faithfullness and boldness in sharing your faith, not only now but all along the way, as to have impacted so many, including this precious woman who lost her life last week. What a divine appointment your sharing opportunity was! And what a great reminder to us all who know the Lord to never take an opportunity for granted to share our faith. Keep running the race, even though this is such a difficult time for you all! Your brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world are lifting you all up in prayer and the Lord will continue to sustain you and help you through this tragedy! May God richly bless you today, and thank you for your updates on this website.
Comment by Jenny — April 24, 2007 @ 1:10 pm
It is so uplifting to know that Reema knew my Jesus and that she is enjoying the fullness of her salvation- Heaven!
I pray daily for the families of the victims, students, faculty and entire community for God’s blessings on them for continued healing and comfort!
Comment by Kim — April 24, 2007 @ 12:26 pm
When I read Reema’s name I thought of “Rhema” and prayed that indeed this one understood the whole counsel of God’s Word and that this Reema knew our Jesus, the living Rhema.
Praying for you all. I truly believe that God is moving on college campuses and is right now beginning awakening and revival in our nation beginning with these college students…that is my prayer.
In His Joy,
Holly Smith
Monument, CO
Comment by Holly Smith — April 23, 2007 @ 10:41 am
What a great account! I teach at Rocky Run MS in Chantilly just a few miles from Westfields High School where Reema attended in Centreville, VA. There are many families in my area directly affected by this horror. God bless you for being ACTIVE in explaining the Gospel to a lost and dying world.
Monty
Comment by Monty Lunt — April 21, 2007 @ 4:36 pm
[…] Tech regarding two others who were killed: Erin Peterson and Reema Samaha. Apparently both Erin and Reema were contacted by the staff and students just weeks ago in ministry appointments. Both indicated […]
Pingback by Rob & Patricia Williams » Victims at Virginia Tech connected to Campus Crusade — April 21, 2007 @ 10:30 am
absolutely beautiful
Comment by Erika Faye — April 21, 2007 @ 12:47 am
[…] The Campus Crusade staff team at Virginia Tech is ministering to many students in the midst of their own grief. This is a very neat story of how a staff member had the opportunity to share Christ with Reema (one of the victims) about 3 weeks ago: http://campuscrusadeforchrist.com/virginiatech/sharing-story/ […]
Pingback by Hands Headlines » Stories from students at VT — April 20, 2007 @ 10:50 pm
This story reminds me of the importance of CCC on the college campuses of America, and how much it formed my spiritual growth while I was a student at Arizona State University. Thank you for giving of your lives to this mission.
Duke Nguyen
Phoenix, AZ
Comment by Duke Nguyen — April 20, 2007 @ 9:42 pm
Cynthia-
What a privilege to have been able to tell Reema about the assurance in trusting Jesus for eternal life. May our Lord continue to open your eyes and ours to the “divine appointments” all around us each day.
Your brother and sister in the battle,
(Pamela Sue and) Jonathan Fitzner
Comment by Jonathan Fitzner — April 20, 2007 @ 3:01 pm
That’s a very good news among all tragedy! And it’s inspirational too. God bless u!
Comment by Wesley — April 20, 2007 @ 1:39 pm
Praise God for the opportunity that He has given you to witness to Reema.
One thing I need to comment on–there is no such thing as “lucky day” for a Christian. Christians don’t go by “luck.” I would say, it is a “blessed day.”
May God continue to bless you and all your efforts for His glory and honor!
Comment by Yolly — April 20, 2007 @ 1:08 pm
Thank you dear sis for reminding us that each opportunity to share Christ is precious and we shouldn’t take it for granted, as it may be that person’s last opportunity. Sieze the opportunity!
Praise God for ur time with Reema
Comment by Winnie Joy — April 20, 2007 @ 1:06 pm
Praise God! I am so thankful to have read that you had this opportunity. And that you were able to give some information to reassure her.
I also have a home school blog, mcbenningschool.blogspot.com
Comment by jennifer — April 20, 2007 @ 10:46 am