September 22, 1999
GRACE & PEACE:
Only God can supply sufficient
grace in time of tragedy
___"And God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
___As I, along with a multitude of others, grieved and wept over the hurt and pain suffered by those who had gathered at Wedgwood Baptist Church, the Holy Spirit brought this Scripture to mind. The promises from God's word and his presence in the lives of loving people give hope and comfort in the midst of terrible tragedy. The truth of this has been witnessed again in the deaths and wounds inflicted by the gunman in Fort Worth.
___Although there may be no adequate explanations today of the "why" of such acts of violence which have become so terribly common in our country, there is a word of hope from God who provides the hope and comfort for today and perhaps one day the answer to our question of "Why?" Some have noted that when God's people get very serious about God's work, Satan becomes very active in opposition. Others have pointed out that martyrdom is more prevalent today for the followers of Christ than ever before. But the fact is that we do not know why, but we do know Who can provide hope and comfort.
WILLIAM M. PINSON JR.
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___However, questions are part of the human response to tragedy, and they have come in abundance following the shooting: "Why in a church?" "Is there any place where a person can be safe if you cannot be safe in church?" "Why did God let this happen?" And on and on they go.
___I have been impressed by people in the midst of this grievous event who have both asked and listened to the questions but not stopped there. They have moved on to walk by faith and trust in God as they ministered to others.
___The response by the community has been marvelous. The people of Fort Worth and the surrounding towns and counties have responded with love and compassion. Members of churches, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, school districts, medical facilities and other helping agencies acted not only professionally but also with compassion.
___The Baptist family has responded inspirationally. The youth, adults and leaders of the churches involved have born testimony to the power of the gospel and to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ over and over again. The staff members of churches, Tarrant Baptist Association, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the Baptist General Convention of Texas were on the scene almost immediately, ministered through the night and into the next day tirelessly and continue follow up in counseling and other assistance to those who were victimized.
___Out of this tragedy, people have been able to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with people who otherwise might not have heard, and non-Christians have witnessed the marvelous peace that is available through faith even in the midst of the worst of storms.
___And what can we do now? Pray for those who have been so terribly hurt by this tragedy. Pray for those who are involved in follow-up ministry and counseling. Pray especially for the churches involved as they deal with the trauma in the lives of members. Pray for lost people to come to saving faith in Jesus Christ as the gospel is shared with them out of the tragic circumstances.
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