Responding to tragedy (post encouragement here)
16 Apr 2007 / Dave / blurbs
Thanks to those praying for [nlcf] and the campus. We need it. Please post public encouragement, prayers, or condolences HERE as comments on this post rather than through our contact page. That way more people can view them rather than just the webmaster.
102 comments
Andy / 16 Apr 07 at 1:39pm
Your brothers and sisters in Denton, Texas, are praying for you. –Andy.
ryan kozey / 16 Apr 07 at 1:44pm
please know that i am praying for you all at Virginia Tech– the family of GCM I know will be focused on prayer for today’s tragedy
Mark / 16 Apr 07 at 2:09pm
I’m praying for you guys. God Bless!!!
Powell / 16 Apr 07 at 2:46pm
Hokie (and NLCF) alums everywhere are feeling this. I’ll be praying for the ability of NLCF to meet the needs of the deeply hurt campus. Grace and Peace to you.
Russ / 16 Apr 07 at 2:49pm
We are praying for you in Florida. May God grant you the wisdom and grace to care for all those in need.
Sher / 16 Apr 07 at 2:50pm
Mexico is praying. God is moving.
Jeff Moss / 16 Apr 07 at 3:09pm
My prayers are with you as well. I have quite a number of friends who went to Virginia Tech, and the news this morning affected me deeply. -Jeff (Moscow, Idaho)
Ben Griffitts / 16 Apr 07 at 3:12pm
It is for times such as these that God has placed us in these situations. My prayers are with you and show the rest of Hokie nation what the love of Christ is all about!
Rob / 16 Apr 07 at 3:16pm
I’m praying for you guys as well. Take care of yourselves and God Bless!
Dan / 16 Apr 07 at 3:28pm
The Rock in Minneapolis is praying!
God Bless!
steve norman / 16 Apr 07 at 3:30pm
your friends in detroit are praying for you all.
Dave Murray / 16 Apr 07 at 3:33pm
Praying that NLCF will be a shining beacon of hope and care in the wake of this. May God strengthen you for the task and draw many to Himself.
sarah / 16 Apr 07 at 3:47pm
Hi, I just wanted to let you know that The Rock Church in Minneapolis, Mn Is praying for you. If there is any way I can help let me know. May God keep you close to His side today…
Sarah warmoth
Sue Bowles / 16 Apr 07 at 4:34pm
From a former GCM High School staffer & residence hall director for 8 years before that, I just wanted to say I’m praying for you all. May He use you mightily as His human agents. May His strength be your’s, His words and love your’s, and may you be His extension of love. May the gospel go forth powerfully.
Praying and wishing I could do more to help,
Sue
Scott / 16 Apr 07 at 4:42pm
I expect that many will mourn at the churches at Tech. How can we support NLCF in this tragedy? We are abroad but would like to help. We will pray for everyone at Tech and for those that seek God for understanding.
Tiffany / 16 Apr 07 at 6:35pm
My heart hurts for everyone there; I am praying for you guys.
Minister Catherine / 16 Apr 07 at 7:12pm
I urge you in the name of Jesus Christ to gather strength and go and minister to God’s people. This is the appointed time, do not hestiate. Dont ask how? God what shall i say? But go out of obedience and God will use you.
Here in Dallas,TX we are praying for you.
Catherine
Nate and Tricia Greer / 16 Apr 07 at 7:40pm
You all are in our thoughts and prayers as you sort through the emotions of this tragedy. We pray that God can and will bring victory out of this! -nate, tricia, and samuel greer-
casey thornburgh / 16 Apr 07 at 9:32pm
Your family in Lawrence, KS is praying for you all. Go, be His hands and feet tonight and tomorrow…
Lisa Wilcoski / 16 Apr 07 at 11:20pm
We are so sad and stunned to hear of the immense tragedy today. Our hearts go out to you all during this time of intense grief. Just wanted to let you all know that you are in our thoughts and prayers here at illinilife at the U of Illlinois. We pray that God would strenghten you through His Spirit tonight, and in the upcoming days, and that He would give you His peace even at this time. Know you do not walk alone. Love, your U of I family
James / 17 Apr 07 at 12:29am
Your GCA brothers and sisters at Liveoak Church in Austin, Texas lifted you all up in prayer tonight.
a brother in christ / 17 Apr 07 at 2:26am
may you be strengthened in the power of the Lord to speak carefully and lovingly to all who need Him in a most powerful way tonight, tomorrow and in the days to come.
Malcolm Coombes / 17 Apr 07 at 6:55am
My wife and I are missionaries in Europe. We heard the NLCF Pastor on CNN this morning 17 April. He gave a good clear message about the fact of evil being with us, and how we need to know the Lord Jesus Christ. We are praying for you and your ministry.
The Lord bless you.
Greg Guevara / 17 Apr 07 at 7:10am
My heart was broken yesterday watching all the images from your campus. I can only imagine the challenges that all of you are facing right now. Kathy and I are praying for your church as you minister the love of Christ to your community in the wake of this tragedy.
Andrew McNeil / 17 Apr 07 at 7:57am
The Great Commission community church in Indianapolis is praying for you. May God’s ever-sustaining grace be with all of you during this time.
Allie / 17 Apr 07 at 8:14am
We have just been watching the news here in the UK, and just wanted to pass on our prayers to you and for your community.
God bless
Allie
Littlehampton - England
Craig Wollack / 17 Apr 07 at 8:14am
Friends,
You have been in our thoughts and hearts during the past 24 hours. Our family is praying with you and for you. May you know God’s comfort, strength and wisdom during this difficult time.
Craig & Cheri Wollack
jason & carolyn / 17 Apr 07 at 8:19am
to our NLCF family. our hearts ache along with you and we pray that the Christian community can mobilize in a powerful way to be His hands and feet. lots of love from Clemson, c & j
Brittney Mann / 17 Apr 07 at 8:29am
We are praying for you all in Iowa at the University of Iowa campus. Our hearts go out to you all but we are praying that God will get glory through all of this. thanks for stepping up to fill the needs of the students and community. We are behind you guys and praying for you.
Emily Yates / 17 Apr 07 at 8:43am
Just an old friend from Radford nlcf–some of my favorite memories from college are from time spent in Blacksburg. My prayers are with you all.
Dave Brunelle / 17 Apr 07 at 8:45am
Hey Guys,
All of us here at The Rock in Cleveland (GC Community) are praying for you all. We trust that Christ will be present and manifest through you all as you love, serve, and minister. We pray that ones effected by this will find and experience the peace of Christ in the midst of this tragedy.
Grace and peace,
Dave Brunelle
Berkley Almeida / 17 Apr 07 at 8:53am
NLCF, VT, and Blacksburg; my home away from home!! I want you all to know that Frontline amd McLean Bible Church in Northern Virginia are praying for the staff and leaders within NLCF. That God would reveal himself in a mighty way through grace, peace, and understanding in this difficult time. Your brothers and sisters in Christ are here for you ALWAYS!
Lindsay Caine / 17 Apr 07 at 8:58am
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, my Hokies! God be with you.
Matt Crummy / 17 Apr 07 at 9:01am
Your GCA brothers and sisters in Des Moines, Iowa are praying for you. We love you and expect to hear that God will use you in a mighty way through this. Cling to Christ.
In Him,
Matt
Tammy Sizemore / 17 Apr 07 at 9:48am
Your friends in Maryland are praying. May God give grace, strength, wisdom, the right words at the right time. Rest in Him.
Tim Burling / 17 Apr 07 at 9:55am
“Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me,
For my soul takes refuge in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until
destruction passes by.
I will cry to God Most High,
To God who accomplishes all things for me;
He reproaches him who tramples upon me.
God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.”
My prayers are with NLCF, VT and Blacksburg in this difficult
time. I pray that the Gospel would go forth and shine through the
darkness, confusion and sorrow.
Our God will use for good what was
intended for evil.
Blessings,
Tim
Lisa Sutton / 17 Apr 07 at 9:59am
My heart aches with you all at my dearly loved school. Please know that your pain and the weight of this tragedy is being shared by many. I pray for the Church’s light to shine forth in the midst of this present darkness.
Alan chung / 17 Apr 07 at 10:13am
Thoughts and Prayers from the alumns in Nashville, TN
Jorie Schmidt / 17 Apr 07 at 10:36am
We are carrying you all in our hearts. The presence of God has always been so strong on the campus of Virginia Tech. Now more than ever that is apparent. We will pray for strength and comfort as NLCF will be the comforters to so many. May the peace that passes all understanding be with you now and always.
Blessings,
Jorie and Steve Schmidt
Kim and Aaron Smith / 17 Apr 07 at 10:44am
…completely aghast at what happened yesterday. We’re praying for your fellowship, your campus, and your broken hearts.
Remember to comfort and minister to one another during this time as well– not just to your broader community.
May God bless and keep you all.
Kim and Aaron
Harrison, AR
Regent / 17 Apr 07 at 11:04am
We are praying for you.
Tom Short / 17 Apr 07 at 11:19am
Our hearts go out to you as you seek to bring the light of Christ into this dark, dark evil you have witnessed.
You are in our prayers here in Columbus.
We pray that God will give you supernatural wisdom, courage, compassion and the heart to serve even when you may be overcome by grief.
lee jennings / 17 Apr 07 at 11:19am
Grace and peace to all of you at VT. Our prayers are for your Love and courage to each other in this tragic time.
God’s Blessings from NJ
Lee
Marcie Handrich / 17 Apr 07 at 11:44am
I started praying for you yesterday and will continue to do so. When I met you last year at the conference at Skycroft in MD, I remember feeling that God was using you and your church in the lives of students at VT in a significant way. I know He will continue to work through you in the days ahead as you seek to show His grace and compassion. I saw Jim on GMA this morning and was deeply moved. I’m praying God will carry you all and will give strength, wisdom, and comfort. May you feel the arms of Jesus enfolding you as you press in to Him. May your whole campus know that “God is even here”.
Marcie
Carl & Betty / 17 Apr 07 at 11:47am
We’re praying for nlcf to be used wonderfully by God during these difficult days. Clifton Baptist Church is also praying as a fellowship.
God Bless
Chris, Shawnea, & Hannah Roberts / 17 Apr 07 at 11:50am
To our NLCF family, you are in our prayers. We love and miss you and our hearts are broken for what you are going through. You have an amazing opportunity to minister through this tragedy. We will keep you in our prayers that God will lead you in how to help others and yourselves grieve and heal.
Abigail / 17 Apr 07 at 11:55am
I’m a student at MSU and member of the sister church here Riverview. I just wanted to say that I am praying for all of you and all of those that have sadly been affected by this horrible tragedy. All of us in Spartan country are thinking and praying for all of you. As a previous poster has put. Your brothers and sisters in Christ are here for you.
Tim Thornton / 17 Apr 07 at 12:08pm
Your brothers and sisters at Fellowship Church in College Station, Texas are with you in our thoughts and prayers.
Allison Mackintosh / 17 Apr 07 at 12:12pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this terrible tragedy. Allison Mackintosh and family Grantown on Spey, Highlands, Scotland
Scott Soderholm / 17 Apr 07 at 12:18pm
I’m wearing your colors on my tie and offering prayers for you in my heart. May the God of Peace dwell richly in all of you!
–Scott–
pastor glen willet / 17 Apr 07 at 1:27pm
V-Tech,
Know that we, Quest Community Church,in Md. are praying for you and for ways we can help minister in the future when all the media and the crowds leave your campus.
Please let us know if there are ways we can help.
Pastor glen willet
Jessica Steele / 17 Apr 07 at 1:29pm
My thoughts are with you, god bless everyone.
Joanne / 17 Apr 07 at 1:29pm
your brothers and sisters from Los Angeles, CA are praying for you. We’d love to help, if possible, even though we’re far, let us know how.
Scott Fahringer / 17 Apr 07 at 1:41pm
As a former GCM’er I feel the pain of your church. Several years ago I spent a week with JR and your church. You are a beautiful family, and a vibrant community of God’s people. God’s grace be with each of you in this incredibly difficult time.
-Scott
David Lyons / 17 Apr 07 at 2:08pm
Brother and Sisters,
All of us at the Rock ORCC, MD, have lifted you up in prayer and we continue pray that GOD will reveal His undeniable healing power during this painful time to your community.
Grace
David Lyons
Lauren Bolton / 17 Apr 07 at 2:09pm
I love yall! And know that my heart is truly grieving for my VT family. Please know that myself and Calvary Chapel Vail Valley are lifting you up in prayer.
Stephanie / 17 Apr 07 at 2:18pm
We are praying fervently for you all. I pray that God uses you to show people the true and only real source of comfort, healing, security, and peace…may God be glorified.
Stephanie (The Rock, Fort Collins and Summitview Community Church–GCNW)
Eric Young / 17 Apr 07 at 3:06pm
Know that all your friends and nlcf family in Richmond are in prayer for you all. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Brian Sandifer / 17 Apr 07 at 3:15pm
I’m a ‘97 NLCF alumnus. My heart aches with you, and my family and friends are praying for you. May God use this tragedy for his glory.
Kristen Saia / 17 Apr 07 at 3:22pm
I just wanted to let everyone know that my parents’ church in Burlington, Vermont is praying hard for us here at NLCF and Tech. Prayers are with us from all over the country.
Students- Dom and I want you to know that our hearts are broken for you and we are continually praying for your healing.
with love, Dom and Kristen Saia
Stasos / 17 Apr 07 at 3:25pm
You are in our prayers in Des Moines and your courage and perseverance in the midst of such a struggle is admirable.
Caryn Davis / 17 Apr 07 at 4:41pm
We send our love and condolences to the NLCF family. We’re extended family in Orlando, FL and today I wore my Hokie shirt proud and staying connected as much as I can to the grief and what’s going on. Wish we could do something, but we know prayer will help! with love from the Sunshine State,
Caryn & Scott Davis (’00, ‘02 alums)
Ray & Shari Damaso / 17 Apr 07 at 4:42pm
Brothers and sisters, we pray that you would experience God’s comfort in this very difficult time. We were students at the University of Iowa in 1991 when 5 people were killed and one wounded in a similar incident. We understand your pain and sorrow. But more importantly, Jesus understands. Fix your eyes on Him.
Carl Baum / 17 Apr 07 at 5:11pm
From your sister church in Clemson: my heart and prayers go out to you all. May God help you to be comforters to one another and to those around you who are hurting.
–Carl
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. - 2 Cor. 1:3-4
Jason Rude / 17 Apr 07 at 5:14pm
We’re praying for you in Des Moines. May the Lord’s love, saving grace, and power go out during this horrific event. May the Lord strengthen you all. We pray the Lord will heal your campus.
robbie mcalister / 17 Apr 07 at 5:53pm
Brothers and Sisters,
From all of us at Riverbend Community Church in Lexington, SC, we pray that God would give you His peace that surpasses understanding in the midst of unbelievable circumstances and His amazing Grace to sustain you during this time.
your UF family / 17 Apr 07 at 6:10pm
You are in our prayers here in Gainesville, FL. We are so thankful to know there is such a representation of Christ at VT in NLCF. We know you walk by faith and are thankful for the hope of Christ that is within each of you to be shared with those that are hurting and so confused. partnered with you…
Justin / 17 Apr 07 at 6:50pm
We know and love the Backerts and Terri. Crossroads Church is praying for all of you in this tragedy.
Joe & Lisa Racek / 17 Apr 07 at 7:39pm
Your family in Los Angeles is walking with you through this, and we know God has placed you there for such a time as this. May God’s infinite grace and strength sustain and use you to continue bringing light to our beloved campus. Joe and Lisa
Mike Hunter / 17 Apr 07 at 7:52pm
My prayers are out to you guys, just can’t believe this happened at tech but I know God is there and watching over you guys. I know he will use NLCF and the other groups on campus to bring healing and glory to His name. He will take the bad and use it for the good. NLCF is an awesome church and love my time there, my prayers are with you, God Bless
Mike Hunter
Patrick Creehan / 17 Apr 07 at 8:11pm
You are definitely in my prayers this week. Let Jesus comfort the afflicted through you. He is our Rock.
Steve Phelps / 18 Apr 07 at 6:04am
“My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”
Ps 62:5-8
While we are still reeling in shock at what happened, our Lord Savior Jesus Christ was not caught off guard. As He comforted His numbed and horrified disciples during the week following His death and resurrection, I am praying that you will feel His loving embrace and experience the peace that only He can bring and leave.
He was a “man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”, therefore He can be trusted with your innermost pains and questions. Pour out everything raging in your heart before Him and find His refuge.
Twenty-two years ago, a few very young men with a desire to make Jesus known throughout VT met in a living room at 500 Houston Street. The church that God spawned there has become the caring family of believers now known as NLCF. As you strengthen one another and help each other stand firm, I pray that you will continue to hold out the Hope of Life, the God of all hope, Whom is so desparately needed by all those in your immediate sphere of influence.
Prayerfully yours,
Steve Phelps
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.” Ps 27:13-14
Jim/Nancy Mook / 18 Apr 07 at 8:58am
Dear NLCF,
We are praying for you. God bless you as you help these young people and their families see God’s love through this terrible time.
God bless you all.
Jim and Nancy Mook
(David and Kati’s cousins)
Amber / 18 Apr 07 at 9:06am
Dear NLCF Community,
Your church was an amazing ministry to me when I was attending VT. I hope that this tragedy will bring people to Christ and that NLCF will be a conduit for all those who will be searching for answers, for comfort, and ultimately for the Savior.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all in our VT community.
Janet Homan / 18 Apr 07 at 9:11am
Here in Columbus Ohio we are praying for comfort and healing for all those involved at vtech. Know that God is present and He is wrapping His almighty arms around all of you. God Bless you and keep you.
Martha / 18 Apr 07 at 9:41am
My prayers are with all of you as your recover from this tradegy.
Brooke (Medcalf) Frick / 18 Apr 07 at 10:30am
I love you all and my thoughts and prayers have been with you since the moment I heard of the tragedy. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. I feel so helpless, and yet so willing to do whatever I can during this very very difficult time. I am praying for all you on staff as you minister to a hurting community. I pray God fills you with His peace, His comfort, His joy, and His love. You can do all things through Him who strengthens you! (Philippians 4:13)
Also, I read this verse last night and it really encouraged me, so I’ll share it with you:
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord’s great love we are not consummed for His compassions never fail they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23
Again, I love you all and GO HOKIES!!!
Chris and Melissa Reinhardt / 18 Apr 07 at 10:35am
From Fredericksburg…Our hearts grieve with yours and our prayers are covering you. May you find true peace in the only place possible–in the shelter of the Lord. We pray that God will create beauty from ashes
Tobe and Michele Greider` / 18 Apr 07 at 2:00pm
We will be praying with you through this tragedy. NLCF was such a great ministry to us when were at VA, and pray that through this more people will be comforted by Jesus
Greg Van Nada / 18 Apr 07 at 2:53pm
Chris, Jim and Matt,
Praying for you and your staff as you minister to the students, that someone ministers to you as well. I know you are hurting and yet follwoing our Good Shepherd and laying down your life for the sheep. Please let us know if, and when, we can serve you in addition to our prayers.
Love,
Greg
Helena / 18 Apr 07 at 7:48pm
Praying with you, crying with you, and praising God that he has blessed this campus with people who unite under His name to minister to those hurting people. May the peace of God rest upon your weary hearts and strengthen you to continue ministering, my continued prayer for you “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 God Bless from Cedar Rapids, IA.
Debbie and Dave Eckert / 18 Apr 07 at 8:40pm
NLCF staff - we love you guys and are praying for the Holy Spirit to pour His strength, wisdom and comfort into your lives right now. Even our 3 year old is praying for Jesus to help Aunt Terri’s friends who are sad on TV. Be encouraged.
NLCF students - please know that although we don’t know your names, we feel deeply for how you have been hurt this week and want you to know we care and are praying that the peace of Jesus will be expereicned in your life right now.
maggie lee / 18 Apr 07 at 9:23pm
Dear NLCF Staff, and members,
Last night, in Boulder, CO, the UMIN Annex/FPC ministry hosted a service to honor the VT victims, those of you in ministry helping others and all those affected by this tragedy. They invited, Ryan Lee, a VT grad from May05 to share about VT, the great student body, the believers at NLCF that encouraged him during his four years there at your precious school. We are sending a poster with notes of encouragement and expression and our prayers will continue. The VT was enclosed inside the CU buffalo mascot to symbolize our solidarity with your suffering. We will be here, across the country, encouraging all of you through our prayers. With love, in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Maggie & Dave Lee
jeni hilderbran / 19 Apr 07 at 7:30am
Bowling Green, Ohio is praying for you all!
Peggy Comella / 19 Apr 07 at 9:48am
“We ask for rest today, and quietness unshaken by the world’s appearances. We ask for peace and stillness, in the midst of all the turmoil born of clashing dreams. We ask for safety and for happiness, although we seem to look on danger and on sorrow. And we have the thought that will answer our asking with what we request.
‘I rest in God’. This thought will bring to you the rest and quiet, peace and stillness, and the safety and the happiness you seek. ‘I rest in God.’ This thought has power to wake the sleeping truth in you, whose vision sees beyond appearances to that same truth in everyone and everything there is. Here is the end of suffering for all the world, and everyone who ever came and yet will come to linger for a while. Here is the thought in which the Son of God is born again, to recognize himself.
‘I rest in God.’ Completely undismayed, this thought will carry you through storms and strife, past misery and pain, past loss and death, and onward to the certainty of God. There is no suffering it cannot heal. There is no problem that in cannot solve. And no apprearance but will turn to truth before the eyes of you who rest in God.
This is the day of peace. You rest in God, and while the world is torn by winds of hate your rest remains completely undisturbed. Yours is the rest of Truth. You call to all to join you in your rest, and they will hear and come to you because you rest in God.
You rest within the peace of God today, quiet and unafraid. Each brother comes to take his rest, and offer it to you. We rest together here, for thus our rest is made complete, and what we give today, we have received already. Time is not the guardian of what we give today. We give to those unborn and those passed by, to every Thought of God, and to the Mind in which these Thoughts were born and where they rest. And we remind them of their resting place each time we tell ourselves, ‘I rest in God’.”
…from lesson #109
A Course in Miracles/Workbook for Students
It comes with deepest sympathies and prayers for peace for ALL of you!
from a mother in Kentucky
Matt / 19 Apr 07 at 6:52pm
From Newport News, class of ‘01…My heart breaks with you this week. My prayer is that you would find comfort and peace in Jesus Christ during this difficult time.
Amber & Kevin Mace / 19 Apr 07 at 9:49pm
Like many other NLCFers across the nation, we are in mourning over the events of April 16. Yet we know that what Satan intends for evil, God will use for good. I have such wonderful memories of my 8 years in Blacksburg, most of which were spent in Engineering Science and Mechanics in Norris Hall. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hokie nation, but especially with the NLCF community. May we all turn to the Lord like never before to receive comfort and healing and to reach out to a world in need of our Hope.
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8
With love,
Amber (00,03) and Kevin Mace (half-Mountaineer and forced to be half-Hokie!)
Matthew H / 20 Apr 07 at 10:30am
As an alumnus of the NLCF program at Radford I am encouraged that Virginia Tech has the strong, committed men and women of God who led me a short couple of years ago to help them morn and proclaim the Gospel of Christ in the wake of all of this. Our fellowship at Kent State University spent last night praying for you, your campus and the families of the deceased and I and many others will continue in prayer for you. May the love of God our Father, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit abide with each of you, now and forever.
Matt Santen / 20 Apr 07 at 10:10pm
The prayers of a sister Great Commision Church go out to you from River Ridge Church in Charleston, WV. I am so thankful that NLCF is at Virginia Tech to be a light and to point the way to Jesus the great comforter.
Tom & Lisa Hawkes / 20 Apr 07 at 11:42pm
God’s mercy and grace be with you all.
There is a peace that cometh after sorrow,
Of hope surrender, not of hope fulfilled;
A peace that looketh not upon tomorrow,
But calmly on a tempest that is stilled.
A peace which lives not now in joy’s excesses,
Nor in the happy life of love secure;
But in the unerring strength the heart possesses
Of conflicts won while learning to endure.
A peace there is, in sacrifice secluded;
A life subdued, from will and passion free;
‘Tis not the peace which over Eden brooded,
But that which triumphed in Gethsemane.
–Jessie Rose Gates
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Tom and Lisa Hawkes
Gordon Emerson / 21 Apr 07 at 10:17am
Dear NLCF,
“When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord shall raise up a standard.” After listening to the Tuesday morning interview with one of your pastors, I checked your website and was greatly comforted to see that the Lord has a mighty standard prepared there on the campus to stem the evil tide that swept the campus on Monday. Out of what the enemy intended for evil, our God will bring His purposes for our good. I thank the Lord for your great work there and may He, in the seasons to come, cause the tears of many to be turned to joy through Christ’s working in and through you.
Gordon Emerson, Philadelphia
Daniel Hall / 21 Apr 07 at 9:02pm
Thank you for the many ways you are being the hands and feet of our Lord Jesus! You are overcoming evil with good. Your sister church Evergreen in Manassas, VA is having a prayer gathering for you tomorrow. Be strong and courageous. He is with you.
Love,
Daniel Hall
Original 606A Center St
Hokie’95
Pastor, Evergreen Community Church
Kees Boer / 21 Apr 07 at 10:10pm
Hi, I’m praying for you all. Please, realize that Nicole and Lauren are looking down from heaven as part of the witnesses from Hebrews, cheering you on.
Love,
Kees
Saddleback Church / 22 Apr 07 at 5:21am
Your brothers and sisters at Saddleback Church send their love and prayers. Our hearts are aching over this tragedy - we’re praying for our loving God to hold you close and heal your hearts.
MaryAnn Webb
Assistant to Rick Warren
Johnson Hays / 22 Apr 07 at 3:15pm
Dear nlcf,
My thoughts and prayers are with you…
I am a father of a young man who attends your church. Your church has been a blessing in his life, and I know your church has blessed many people.
May the good Lord take you in His merciful arms, and bless and keep you all. Jesus loves you!
All my thoughts and prayers.
A Dad
JT and Crickett Stocker / 22 Apr 07 at 8:21pm
We are graduates of Radford (2001) and attended NLCF through RU. Powhatan Community Church in Powhatan, Virginia, as well as the entire Richmond area, are praying for those affected by the tragedy. We pray for all of the leaders at NLCF as they minister to those in pain. God bless!
JT and Crickett
Aimee Lalime / 22 Apr 07 at 9:04pm
I think I speak for everyone at Kairos (the Los Angeles church started from [nlcf]) in saying that we feel this heartbreak with all of you. I’ve been crying a lot, praying a lot, and wrestling with God this past week for all of you at [nlcf] and VT in general. It’s hard to imagine that this could happen and I’ve been asking God why he would allow it. I found peace from my questions one night when I shared them with my husband.
The only wisdom, then, that I feel I can offer today is to share your thoughts and feelings with each other. Continue to bear one anothers burdens, as I’m sure you are already doing.
I don’t doubt that your mourning and struggle will go on longer than mine since you are closer to this than I, but I also trust that as you lean on God, he can carry you through anything.
I will pray for you tomorrow as school starts and throughout the coming weeks and months. I will pray that God will give you His peace that passes understanding.
God bless,
Aimee Lalime (and Jay and Sydney - 18 mo.)
Sarah / 23 Apr 07 at 3:18pm
The college & career ministry of Riverbend Community Church in Lexington, SC (a GCA church) stands with you, NLCF and VA Tech! You’re in our thoughts & prayers!
Jon & Amanda Hutchins / 24 Apr 07 at 1:18am
Isaiah 50:4
The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.
May God give you, morning by morning, the word that sustains the weary around you, as he sustains you as well.
We are praying for you!! We love nlcf.
Amanda (’98,’99) & Jon (’94) Hutchins,
and kids Tommy, Evelyn, and Anna
Tom & Lisa Hawkes / 24 Apr 07 at 2:45pm
Dear NLCF,
Your church was such a huge part of my life when I attended there, along with (my now husband) Tom Hawkes.
I just would like to share the lyrics to a song I wrote, and pray that it will bring some speck of comfort.
BLACKSBURG
The road leading to Blacksburg
Has a sky that shines like silver
But now everything but you becomes a blur,
So, I’m keeping the fire burning
And I won’t ever stop returning
I do believe that love is stronger than this hurt
(CHORUS):
‘Cause missing you won’t stop
I know we can’t ever turn back the clock,
So, won’t you please be mine, and hold me to your side,
Tell me once again it will be alright,
‘Cause we still got a lot of mountain left to climb.
So many dreams left undiscovered
But when this journey is over
I won’t let go of you inside my arms
And I know it won’t be like before,
But when the final curtain falls to the floor,
Maybe it will feel as though we never were apart at all…
(copyright2007)byLisaHawkes
God bless you all.
Love,
Lisa
Marlene Backert / 24 Apr 07 at 9:52pm
Many from Pleasant View Baptist Church in MD (where Chris and Rachel grew up) are praying for all of the members of NLCF and for VT. May God continue to use each of you and your NLCF ministry throughout the community there to spread His love to a hurting generation.
Marlene Backert
Lorinda / 22 Jun 07 at 3:13pm
Lindsay, my thoughts and prayers have been with you. I’m not sure how to reach you. I’m sorry I’ve lost touch, and I hope you are well. God be with you. Please let me know how you are.
Love, Lorinda