To all [nlcf]:
We all know the great tragedy that has entered into our lives over the last few days. As the pastors/staff of [nlcf] we want you to know that we are here for you and your friends, regardless of whether they are part of [nlcf] or not. At times like these, often the words we need are not words that come from men and women, but words that come from God alone. If we can help to be a conveyer of these words, please let us know.
We are also very proud of how all of you have carried yourselves and one another over the last several days. Word has reached us from a variety of sources that your demonstration of faith and love at this time gives hope to many, and demonstrates the basis for your hope in a way that words cannot convey. Many others are attempting to convey our hope in Christ with words, but we know that in times like this, words are only heard when accompanied by the lives of those in whom those words are embedded.
At a time like this, it is absolutely critical that we demonstrate God’s love and concern for everyone impacted by the events of this week. We see you doing this already, yet let us feel empowered all the more to offer ourselves, and our community, as a place for all who are hurting. We will be signing a collective [nlcf] card to President Steger at our services this Sunday as well as the Public Relations staff of VT. We are also delivering care packages to students on campus and hope to do so for the Blacksburg and VT police.
We wanted to let you know how we plan to carry out the rest of the semester in light of all that has taken place. This week (4/22) Sunday gatherings will be at 11.00 am 7.07 pm only. There will be no 9.30 downtown congregation service this week as they have expressed a strong desire to be with the campus congregation at this time. This week we will take time to center on God’s heart in the midst of this crisis. We will also have a time of question and answer as well as times of reflection and prayer.
Homegroups are meeting this week and will continue to meet the rest of the semester. We all know that these are the places where we are intended to bring our hurts and pains. Many of you are doing this already and we desire to keep these open and available to our fellow students that are in need of them.
We will have staff available in key locations throughout next week, mainly in Deets Place and in the food court at Squires. If you need to find someone to talk with please go there or you can also email [email protected] and someone will be in touch with you shortly.
Phillip Yancey, well-known author of the books Disappointment with God, Where is God When It Hurts, and many others has tentatively agreed to speak at our services next week. Please stay tuned for details.
As for the continuation of our already scheduled activities, stay attentive to nlcf.net for details. Some, such as baptisms for this Sunday, are canceled, but may be rescheduled. Others, such as the LC Banquet, Seniors Dinner, the Esperanza 5k, and LT meetings will go on as scheduled.
We love you all and are here to stand and walk with you through this time.
On behalf of all of us,
Chris
Chris, Dom, Terri & [nlcf] staff,
~Thank you for everything you are doing to care for the VT students, staff and community. As a cousin of a current Tech student, I am especially grateful! I am praying for your ongoing ministry and so thankful that God has placed you @ VT for such a time as this~ Becky
Grace Community Church in Noblesville, IN was read this letter today. We prayed for all the familes touched by this action.
Please know that brothers and sisters in Christ from PVBC are praying for NLCF and VT. Many have called to express their concern for the struggles you face and the burdens you bear at this crucial time. We know that our Lord is powerful and will bring good out of this tragedy. May He hold you close in His loving arms at this time and fill you with wisdom and power as you minister in His name.
I am a former Blacksburg resident and BHS graduate; my parents still live there.I’ve lived in France for 22 years and it is incredible to hear Va Tech make the headlines here, unfortunately because of tragedy. My prayer is that there will be revival on that campus, and that your light would shine to all those who are questioning and suffering. May God give you much wisdom and sensitivity.
Liz Basle
Chris, you’ve got friends in Charlottesville and family all over Virginia Baptist life. We’re with you. You know we’re ready to help. Peace be with your spirit —
John Chandler
http://www.vbmb.org
http://www.rasnet.org
To all the [nlcf] staff,
It breaks my heart that such a tragedy has occurred, but if it had to, I’m glad that it happened where there is such a strong body of believers being led by amazing men and women of faith. You all guided me through so many troubled times in college, and I am confident you will do the same, and even more so now. My prayers are with you, that God will continue to speak his Word through you to the community of Va Tech, and that many will come to know Christ in this time of healing.
Laura Hannum
Hi Chris and the rest of nlcf,
We here at Texas A&M want to let you know that we are praying for you. Words can seem so unsufficient in these times and you are right…they really can’t comfort in the way you all really need it. So we do pray that you all as well as the students’ families will experience the God of all comfort in a very real and tangible way.
I am so encouraged by the love and faith being displyed through all of you!
We love you guys,
Sarah and the Texas A&M Staff