[LSF-Announce] some thoughts

[Marty Marks]

hey all 

Hey all,

 

So many of you have expressed you prayers for us and what has happened
on campus today.  I greatly appreciate the out pouring of concern... it
really does mean a lot to know people care so THANK YOU!

 

I was in a residence hall with in a couple of minutes of the shooting
and involved with some of the "triaging" and a fair bit of follow up
care with students and staff afterward.  Most students are leaving
campus most likely not to return until Monday.

 

As we contemplated this terrible event I have a few thoughts-

 

my words to all are- stay calm, be a force for peace and healing and
don't add to the stress of things. if you have contact with any one out
here or have your own anxiety over this, channel it into being a force
good. 
There are a lot of questions being asked, especially about God related
to this. In the midst of messed up situations His presence is always one
of peace and calm and healing. So much so that he was willing to
sacrifice himself on the cross to bring peace to those who hated him.
the least we can do is act likewise, pull together and not let this
incident define who we are or how we treat one another... as a matter of
fact, our response will be what really defines us! 

My favorite part of the movie Evan Almighty was the scene where God
appeared to Evan's wife and asked her "if somebody prayed to God for
patience, do you think God grants 'patience' OR the opportunity to show
patience, when people pray for family unity, does he grant a warm fuzzy
feeling, or does he grant the opportunity to show family unity?"

Today we have prayed for god's presence to be on the campus of NIU...
Perhaps he is giving us all the opportunity to be that loving presence
of peace and comfort to each other. I Hate that this has happened, but i
am awed that God has asked us, including me, to be his answer to the
prayers for his presence.  Thank you for joining me in being his
presence!

Thanks for listening to the sermon :) 

 

 

So many of you have asked how you can help.  Other than what I say
above, at this moment i don't know.  but keep asking... I'll look for
opportunities.,
 
BLessings,
Pastor Marty
 

Rev. Marty Marks, Pastor for Campus Ministry and Church Administration,
Immanuel Lutheran Church, DeKalb, Il.

815-756-6669

www.refugelsf.org <http://www.refugelsf.org/> 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX9tpw8Cxzo

 
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