A Sorrowful Day for Missions and the Body of Christ
I am in a state of shock and sadness for our body of Christ that grieves the loss of several young believers in Colorado, including two YWAM staff members, Tiffany Johnson, 26, and Philip Crouse, 24. I was in Arvada, Colorado at this training base about one year ago as my dear friend, Carly, graduated from phase II of her DTS (Discipleship Training School). I was humbled and proud as I watched Carly and her classmates complete this intense program. The YWAM experience has transformed the lives of countless young leaders who have gone through similar training. The YWAM family is global in scope but is also very close and small in many ways. I know the shock of this senseless killing is rippling around the world to touch many. And for those of us who may not know anyone directly affected, you simply have to watch the news today and you too will be affected.
Just a few months after Carly’s graduation, I was back in Colorado Springs in March. I passed New Life Church and could not help but stop in to see this mega-church. I was specifically drawn by the huge global World Prayer Center, surrounded by flags of all nations. My friend Krissy and I just walked in and spent a few hours worshipping with other unknown believers, underneath a massive globe, spinning on its axis, with a beautiful mountain range outside in the distance. As a person who has a heart for the nations, and a love for praise and worship, this was a real treat for me, to happen upon this gorgeous place dedicated to prayer for the world. We explored the building, and saw the YWAM class rooms in the hallways of this building as well. People were very friendly, and I wished I lived near such an amazing place.
That Sunday I attended a New Life service and was quite amazed by the whole experience. The church was still grieving the loss of Pastor Ted Haggard and all the shame and bad press that came with his struggles. It was, and is, an awesome church. Today, I too grieve their loss of two sisters, Stephanie Works, 18, and Rachael Works, 16, who were killed by the same gunman who shot Tiffany and Philip, and several others who are still in hospitals.
Please pray with me for those who are still wounded, for those friends and families of the departed, and yes, even for the man who shot them, and his family. Don’t let all the crap in the news distract you from remembering the fact that these young people died while serving full-time in missions. Also, as the press elevates the brave woman who shot the killer, Jeanne Assam, we can give thanks that fewer lives were lost because of her. However, we must not revel in another killing, despite how evil this man’s actions were. It is all awful, senseless and tragic.
Lord help us to understand this all...And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28.