What to say to the VA Tech shootings?

Friends -

In light of what has happened at Virginia Tech, I wanted to post our National Collegiate Director, Mike Jordahl's email to us, as it was very helpful for me in knowing how to pray. It is also helpful for me to remember that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against...the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). May this open our eyes to the reality of the spiritual battle that is taking place every moment.
The Navigator ministry is one of the largest ministries on that campus, and the directors had given us some things to pray for the campus in the coming weeks. To add a request, our own ministry will be addressing what happened at Virginia Tech at our Nav Night this Thursday - would you pray that God would give us wisdom as we do this?

Dear Navigator Family,

By now you have heard the devastating news about the 33 students and teachers at Virginia Tech who lost their lives yesterday – and the 27 who were wounded. Like I imagine it is with you, I am trying to turn the shock of this into prayer.
A few hours ago I spoke and prayed with Navigator Staff Pete Dorrell who led our ministry at VA Tech for about 15 years. Pete and his wife Nancy are now assisting Kent and Jane Dodge as they lead the Virginia Tech Navigator Ministry. I asked Pete if I could send out a short report and some prayer requests for them and the VT Navigator ministry. He encouraged me to do so.

Pete shared that it has “all really been just horrible.”

Last night Pete, Kent and Jane went by the counseling centers that had been set up by the school. In each place there were counselors ready to help, but no one looking for help. Kent and Pete then went to help man some of the VA Tech phone lines – spending time trying to help parents and friends connect with students.
Evidently cell phone coverage had collapsed under heavy use and very few were
able to contact anyone. As fear grew and as no victims’ names were being
given out, they were directing parents to hospitals so they could look for their
children there. You can imagine how raw emotions have been (and
are).
Today Pete visited with
Justin, a Tech student who had been part of NavYouth in Maryland, with Dick
Stum. Pete found him and his mother in a local hospital. Justin had
been shot in the leg and shoulder. He is recovering and seems to be doing
well.
No other Navigator students were shot, wounded or killed. Many of them know someone who was hurt – or knows someone who knows someone who was.
(Unconfirmed reports are that at least one student with some Campus Crusade involvement was
killed and that one or two were also injured.)
For much of the day today, Kent and Pete have walked the campus, calling students and meeting with them wherever they could, to listen, share with them and pray. At home he said they have received well over 100 phone calls from people wanting information or to talk or pray.

Pete reminded me that we have an enemy who is always seeking to destroy. Yesterday that enemy did his work. As a result, Pete said, “lots of students and others are thinking about life and death and what really matters. Today, many are thinking about God.”

As the classes will not be in session until next Monday at the soonest, Pete expects that most students will return to their homes after tonight’s candlelight vigil. I am sure their parents will be glad to have them home. For those who stay on campus, there will be a prayer gathering at noon on Wednesday for all the Christian groups. I am sure the Lord can lead you into how you should pray; but here are a few specifics for you:

§ Pray for Justin and his recovery.
§ Pray for all the families who lost loved ones.
§ Pray for all those who are recovering from wounds – physical and emotional.
§ Pray for all who will experience increased trauma as the funerals and visitations begin in the next few days.
§ Pray for the Nav students (and all the believers) to be able to take their own pain to the cross as well as help others do the same.
§ Pray for many to find life in Christ as a result of the horror of these days.
§ Pray for the Dodges and Dorrells to have wisdom and Holy-Spirit power as they serve and love many students, parents and others.
§ Pray for the Dodges, the Dorrells and the Nav student-leaders to know when to meet others’ needs and when to rest.
§ Pray that, somehow, in the midst of all of this, God will be glorified.

I know that the Tech Navs, as well as other believers, will be grateful for your prayers.

Thank you friends,
Mike

May we seek our security and safetly in our eternal God.

- Morgan