382 wounded. 129 confirmed dead. We were all stunned that Friday night as we watched the shooting reality of another terrorist act unfold on the streets of a beloved city, Paris. To this point it’s been easier for me to distance myself from terrorist acts. This time was different. I had just landed from traveling to Kenya less than five days prior. My sister had just flown through Paris the month prior. This time it hit a little closer to home. The world was mourning with the families who lost a loved one that night. As the Nationals responded over the weekend to the terrorist acts footage was shown of people gathering and holding signs saying “not afraid”. Their immediate boldness after such a personal, heinous act was like nothing I had ever seen. It’s been in the background of my thoughts since I saw it. People joining together, praying for peace, praying for Paris.
In the coming days travel will require more and more precaution, but it won’t change the Mission. The lost are still all around us, worldwide, hungry for the knowledge of the hope of Christ. What the world needs now is scores of Christians who LOVE relentlessly, HOPE unabashedly and PRAY continually.
“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.”
1 Peter 5:8-11 MSG