When it rains, it pours
One of our staff’s grandmother’s died today. On top of that, they are closing on selling their house in about a week, not to mention having an infant (who has a fever by the way) and dealing with life at VT at the moment. Please pray for them as they are trying to juggle all of the things their life is throwing at them right now. We confess we are a bit frustrated with God for the timing of her passing, though we know God knew all along and has a plan that is the best, so we prayed for our own hearts. Also, we tried to meet as a whole staff team today, and got a call that another staff’s 8 year old daughter was sick at home, and later began throwing up. We just sat back and said, “Our lives are crazy!!” We also had a few good laughs at some ridiculous things. Mark Gauthier, the national campus director, called us and gave us some very encouraging words from his heart and scripture (wow!). I still can’t get over all these important people wanting to know about us and how we’re doing. One thing he said that stuck out to me was, “For some reason, God has chosen to point a spotlight on Virginia Tech for all the world to see.” Ugh, ain’t that the truth. I confess kind of loathing that truth, but at the same time I am very intrigued at what God is doing, and what he will do as a result of the massive amounts of prayer that are going up for us right now. Also, historically, persecution and difficulty have never been a bad thing for the church. It is in these times when Christianity explodes and we are forced to sink or swim. I am anxious to see what God will do here through this time, and around the world. I can’t see much of that now, but I am trusting by faith that I will.
Cleaning out Lauren’s room wasn’t as bad as I expected. It wasn’t extremely emotional, and there were some dear “grown ups” there who helped us stay on task and get it done, and in the end, we prayed together and left “kisses” on her bed (lip shaped confetti). It was a nice good-bye. I am really sad I didn’t get to know Lauren better during her life. The more I hear about her, the more I am struck at the impact she made on those around her. But then I thought today, that’s okay, I’ll just wait until I get to heaven and then we can hang out again! How incredibly thankful I am for Jesus right now.
I also realized today that I had met another girl who died in the dorms while sharing my faith. Her name was Erin, and myself and a girl I lead, Sara, met her and found out she was a Christian. She played basketball and was extremely tall. While we were talking, a fire alarm went off and we all had to go outside, but Erin continued to talk with us. She told us she wasn’t yet involved in any campus ministries or Bible studies or anything, and I strongly encouraged her to seek that out, and explained to her the impact that a small group Bible study had on my life in college. She agreed and promised to seek that out soon. I realized who she was when I was flipping through pictures of the victims online today. I’m so sad that she died, but I am so thankful I can rejoice at knowing without doubt that she is with Jesus now! Hallelujah! I am really amazed that the Lord blessed me with the chance to talk with 2 of the victims about him shortly before they died. He is so very good.
Dear. We are belong Jesus Ministries International in pakistan. We are arranging a big Crusades in pakistan and Sri lanka. Please wel come share the words of God.
Yours in Christ
Rev.Nadeem Khokhar
e,mail mro_1968@yahoo.com
Comment by Rev. Nadeem Khokhar — August 18, 2007 @ 10:42 am
Cynthia, You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God placed you at VT for a purpose. This was not a surprise to Him, now you can trust in Him to provide you the strength needed to reach others there at VT.
Comment by April Burns — April 22, 2007 @ 9:05 pm
Cynthia,
Your updates keep us on our knees. I graduated from Tech in ‘93 and was very invovled with Campus Crusade during my time there, so your updates have encouraged me and have helped me know how to pray better for my beloved Hokies!
I also believe that God has chosen to shine the spotlight on Tech for a reason, however painful it might be to pass through it. We pray that a revival will break out that will impact people even on a larger scale than this weeks events.
I know you all must be tired, and Satan will send His attacks, but remember where your strength comes from and remember that we will be holding you up in prayer.
Comment by Greta H. — April 21, 2007 @ 2:34 pm
[…] Virginia 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 […]
Pingback by Rob & Patricia Williams » Victims at Virginia Tech connected to Campus Crusade — April 21, 2007 @ 10:29 am
You are prayed for here in Fond du Lac WI, and I want to encourage you with Paul’s words from II Corinthians 4:7-18 “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
It is never easy being a “front-line” Warrior, but it is essential! Keep on fighting, remember your armor!
Comment by Pastor Ken — April 21, 2007 @ 10:00 am
Cynthia,
Thanks so much for taking the time to post these comments. I sounds clear that you have many other people and tasks pressing in on you and that taking time to write is truly selfless . Being able to read your blog and get a glimpse into what is going on in the Crusade community in Blacksburg is a ministry to us at a distance who are longing to help and seeking to understand.
We see the Lord carrying you and pray that you will continue to feel His presence.
Much love from Crusade at Georgia Tech.
Comment by Emily McEntyre — April 20, 2007 @ 10:09 pm
Everyone at VT has been a light of God’s goodness. We’ve seen the love of students for one another in the news. That could only happen when God has touched each person directly and indirectly through other followers of Christ. You may not have seen it, being in the inside, but the world as witnessed it watching in. Therefore, God in His infinite wisdom has allowed this tragedy to happen so that the world may recognize Him. I pray for your speedy recovery.
Duke Nguyen
former student involved in CCC @ Arizona State University and Student Venture.
Comment by Duke Nguyen — April 20, 2007 @ 5:54 pm
I live on the other side of the country and work at a very large software company. The Christian group here was forwarded a link to your blog. I just wanted you to hear yet again that in the midst of so much heartache that you are loved and being held before our Father in heaven by thousands of people you have never met. May Jesus be your loving guide, a VERY OBVIOUS presence to each of you individually and as a movement and may He show up on your campus in amazing ways. God bless you.
Comment by Malia — April 20, 2007 @ 5:26 pm
Thanks Cynthia for sharing your heart in these postings. Please know that generations of CCFC at Va Tech alumni are reading and sharing these messages back and forth. We hold you in high regard and pray for you, all of CRU, and all of Virginia Tech in this hour of need.
Comment by Wayne — April 20, 2007 @ 5:21 pm
Hi,
I am writing this email as I am thinking about the recent incidence of Cho Seung-Hui’s shooting at Virginia Tech University, not sure if Campus Crusade For Christ ever get a chance to reach up to him?
Not sure if any Korean Church here in America has ever comes in contact with the Campus Crusade For Christ?
Being an immigrant and trying to finish College here in America is not easy - I believe, immigrant also needs emotional support, but most of all, they need Christ as the center of their support in going through difficult times in life.
Cho’s action is definitely the work of the enemy (Satan) because Christ have always teach us to love, not kill…………..Although Cho came from a poor family, but if he has the love of Christ, he can still love his enemies, in spite of how poor he thin he is, in term of material possession…………that’s just my thought.
It will nice to see Campus Crusade For Christ reaches out to more immigrant students, because being an immigrant, they are already in a “very lonely” journey to begin with in this country, so, go out there and reach up to them - they are “crying” for your help !
Talk to them and make friends with them, although they may be different in culture, but, deep inside them, they long for love, peace and emotional support, just like any body else.
Regards,
Michael Lew
Comment by Michael Lew — April 20, 2007 @ 5:05 pm