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Hello Great Family,

Here we go again!  The news of yet another mass shooting too close to home hits, once again, too close to home. The shooting at Michigan State University reminds us that evil exists in this world.  But it also makes us think, "Again! So soon!  When will this ever end?"

I heard this on the news, “(Fourteen) months ago I had to evacuate from Oxford High School when a fifteen year old opened fire and killed four of my classmates and injured seven more. Tonight, I am sitting under my desk at Michigan State University, once again texting everyone ‘I love you,’” Emma Riddle, a freshman studying history at the university tweeted overnight Monday. “When will this end?”

US Rep. Elissa Slotkin said it was haunting to see a young person wearing an “Oxford Strong” sweatshirt in footage from MSU after Monday’s shooting. “As a representative of Oxford, Michigan, I cannot believe that I’m here again doing this 15 months later,” Slotkin said during a news conference Tuesday. “And I am filled with rage that we have to have another press conference to talk about our children being killed in their schools.” She added, “We have children in Michigan who are living through their second school shooting in under a year and a half." 

I actually heard a new term being coined, "School Shooting Veterans".  How extremely sad it is to have young people on their second terrorizing event.

I have been in touch with the leaders of CRU, a Christian campus ministry, offering any assistance to their students and staff.  It is sad but true that I am a "veteran" as well.  A pastor who has learned about trauma ministry and experienced the overwhelming emotions of having a loved one directly impacted by this specific type of evil.  Oakwood is standing "WITH" M.S.U. and ready to step in with support.  I will let you know what we can do when they know how they need our help.

Please remember Romans 12:21 "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  As believers, we are to bring the "good"!  We do this several ways:

  1. Gospel Urgency!  Nothing is more good than the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Share the good news and life changing message that God saves.

  2. Pick up a mop not a mic!  Everyone seems to rush in front of cameras or onto stages to say words even though no one has tangible answers.  It would be better to just serve quietly.  Actions truly speak louder than words.

  3. Help the helpers!  Find out who is doing something good and support them.  We don't have to be the first with a plan or idea.  Just see where good is happening and help.

Please don't grow weary in doing good.  Evil will be among us until Jesus returns.  What good can you do to help overcome this present evil?  Do good!

God Bless,
P.D. (Psalm 139)