I'm sure by now all of you have heard of the Virginia Tech tragedy. It's hard for any of us who have friends or family that have ever gone there. Thankfully everyone I knew who goes there are all safe. One of my co-workers knew one of the girls who was shot two times in the leg. Last we heard she was getting ready to go through surgery, so please keep praying for her and all the others who are injured.

Also remember the families of the victims. I can not begin to tell you how much they are hurting. I was at work with parents of VT students, and I felt the horror, and anxiety as they waited to hear from their sons and daughters while we listened to the radio. There's nothing that could erase the memory of not knowing if your loved one is still alive or not.

As Christians, what can we do when something like this happens? Naturally, we can't all go to Virginia Tech and be there for the students, though we all wish we could. Instead, we have the power to pray. God is using this situation in an awesome way. Even though we will all mourn for those lost, many people have come together to pray, and hopefully this will be a time when others will come to know Jesus. Let's pray that many will become followers of Christ when they see that this world will not last forever.

Remember this verse from James 1:2-4. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

And this one from Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God knows what is going to happen next. He will take care of us, and by God's grace, we will all be able to handle anything that comes our way. We know that whatever happens will turn around for good, and be used to further God's kingdom.

So for VT families and wounded: We are praying for you, and thinking about you. Embrace God's love, and keep close to our Heavenly Father as we all heal from this tragedy.