Tragedy

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those on the Virginia Tech campus, the families of the slain and the survivors. We were all astounded as we watched and listened to the cold, enraged words of mass killer, Cho Seung-Hui. Our minds struggle to wrap themselves around such senseless horror. What in the world happened in this young man's life that triggered the downward spiral leading to such a vengeful act?

He wrote violent, obscene stories that all had a similar theme. They were about young people--mostly young men--being exploited by adults and then seeking astounding vengeance.

Was this young man a victim of childhood sexual abuse? Many signs seem to point in that direction--his hiding behind dark glasses, hats and fake names, his obsession with sexual depravity, his sense of victimization and rage--it all speaks of the shame and frustration typical of many who have been sexually abused. Was he a target of bullying or physical abuse? Many of his writings point to that possibility.

Undoubtedly his life will be studied from every possible angle. We may learn about some terrible abuse that set him on this path. Nothing we learn will ever excuse or fully explain his actions, but it may shed light on some of it.

This whole tragedy should remind each of us that we labor in the most important and determinative ministry field in the world! It should give you new motivation for the work you do as an instructor of teachers. Just think of the children those teachers you train are going to reach. What terrible events will never happen because a child is reached with the Gospel before sin takes hold in his or her life?

What if someone had invited little eight-year-old Seung-Hui to a Good News Club when he first came to this country? What if he had responded to the Gospel and become a child of God? Perhaps 32 people on the VT campus would still be alive today. Perhaps those families, that campus and our nation would not be in mourning.

This event should prompt us, as never before, to pray for our nation's children. The enemy of our souls is out to kill and destroy. He knows the value of a child's soul. He knows he can so damage a child that the effects can last a lifetime--and even spill over into the lives of others.

Unfortunately, we know that many in the Body of Christ have yet to get that message. Too many churches continue to entertain children on Sunday morning instead of actively seeking the salvation of every child God brings their way. Too many teachers hesitate to speak of sin and the blood of Christ or to give a salvation invitation. Too Christians are unconcerned about the unreached children in their community.

IOTs, this is a living illustration! Use this terrible tragedy to challenge your TCE students to the urgent need before us. Were there churches or believers in the neighborhood where Cho Seung-Hui grew up? Did anyone ever attempt to reach him with the Gospel? Was there a Good News Club in his area? He is one child we missed--and the ramifications of that fact are stunning.