What Would You Tell Them?

At this very moment, my younger brother Neil is hosting his Christian radio talk show in Buffalo, New York just as he does every weekday on WDCX.   Neil is a gifted speaker, tenderhearted and wise beyond his years.  I am so proud of him.

Neil is talking today about the Sutherland Springs, Texas massacre.  Friends, I am at a loss.  Dw and I senior pastored for 20 years, most of the time in rural areas.  Somehow there is albeit false sense of ‘security’ that rarely do bad things happen in rural areas.  Yet, Sunday’s massacre at a church defies all logic.  

Precious people in Sutherland Springs were gathered together worshipping our great God, doing exactly what we are created and commanded to do, and unbeknownst to them a hate-filled, evil man was heading their way to carry out the most despicable act imaginable.  They lost over half of the congregation that morning!!

worship-hands-1440139 (1)God’s word tells us that we are to bear one another’s burdens – who can even comprehend this unconscionable devastation?

Today Neil opened the air for his listeners to call in and together they are made an “audio” card that they will send to Pastor Pomeroy and his wife Sherri to encourage and lift up their arms, just as scripture tells us we are to do.  WDCX is going to remove all the commercials and just have one continual audio to send.

IMG_2876As I was listening to caller after caller phone in, I’m dripping tears and thought it would be a beautiful thing for my friends to help me put together a “card” with your comments and prayers to print out and send to them.   Pastor Pomeroy, his wife Sherri and all the rest of the body there in Sutherland Springs, Texas need to know that people all over the world are praying for them, partnering with them in uplifting their sorrow-filled arms and longing with them for God’s comfort to fill them. 

The beautiful thing is that because of the internet, people can instantly leave a brief message, a prayer, comforting words, even a little, “I’m praying for you” and it will mean so much.

Please leave a message below or on Facebook and I will print them out and mail it all to them.

 

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

Psalm 34:18

 

17 thoughts on “What Would You Tell Them?

  1. My heart is so heavy for all of you church members, community members, and family members. I am lifting you all in prayer…..know that there are many many people who are praying for you all.

  2. You all have been at the front of my mind and in my heart since I heard. And as I continue to read your stories, I weep for you. I am so very sorry that you have to endure this tragedy. I am grateful to know that you won’t go through it alone, because the Lord is close to those who mourn. I will continue to pray for you. Please know that you are deeply loved!

  3. Praying for God to cover you with peace and comfort in your loss. Also praying for healing for all those that witnessed this horrific event or were injured. May He be your strong tower.

  4. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3)
    The prayers of many are with you may God’s healing touch be upon you spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

  5. The Word tells us to weep with those who weep. I just want you to know that we are weeping with you now. We have no words to truly bring you comfort, but we can promise that we are lifting you up to the One who can comfort you and heal your broken hearts. We will not forget your suffering. We will continue to pray. You are in His grip, and He is love.

  6. Praying that you will know the grace and peace of our dear Lord during this difficult time. He is near the broken-hearted and will not forsake you. We will never understand this tragedy on this side of heaven, but His mercies are never ending and He will take you through this. You are loved and being prayed for dear ones.

  7. Praying specifically for each person who lost a loved one as well as asking our faithful God to use your church and community as a testimony to His power to heal, comfort and restore. I grieve with you at your loss but I also rejoice to know that they are with the Lord. May God bless you with the knowledge that He is very near.

  8. I cannot imagine what you my brothers and sisters in Christ have survived through. As your family in The Lord we greive with you through this terrible pain and heartbreak. You were gathered together in His name when the enemy came to overtake you all… but the enemy cannot snatch what is held in the Father’s hands. Christ is forever victorious and soon eternally we will all be gathered together. May God comfort and heal your hearts as we wait on Him and as you trust in Him may He bring each of you a peace that is not of this world to strengthen and sustain you. Prayers from Michigan…

  9. My heart aches for each of you. I am praying for comfort and healing. You are probably not aware of how much you have given the Gospel through your sharing of your hope in Jesus Christ. I pray that many will come to know Him through this unimaginable disaster. Even the media has been touched by you. Please know that we will continue to pray for you long after this is on the news.

  10. You are loved. So many people are covering you in prayer. Our hearts are hurting for you. God is with you, He will never leave you nor forsake you. May His peace, comfort, grace and loving presence fill you with all that you need in the days, weeks, months and years to come. “The Lord is your rock, your fortress, and your deliverer; Your God, your strength, in whom you will trust. He is your shield and the horn of your salvation, your stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

  11. I’m at a loss for words. But I pray that the peace that passes all understanding will comfort you like no one else can. We lift you all up to our Heavenly Father as He tends to your every tear.

  12. Please know that our hearts are breaking for you as you endure such incomprehensible grief. The only consultation we have is that we have a Savior who lives, loves, saves, and comforts the brokenhearted. He loves you more than we will ever understand and someday all the wrongs will be made right. I pray that you will feel his warm embrace as He wraps His gentle arms around you giving you peace that surpasses all understanding. Though this is a terrible chapter in your life, may you find hope in knowing the victorious ending of the story for all who are in Christ Jesus.

  13. Blessings from England. We have been praying for you here in our little church.
    Our hearts are broken for you in your deep loss. Only God’s arms can hold you best and so that is what we pray.
    Please pass on our love and deep sorrow for each family who has lost. We grieve with them.
    Sandy and Jim Snowden
    and all at
    Community Baptist Church
    Bracknell, Berkshire

  14. Today at church service, our dear pastor spoke about the book of Amos and “not being a dried up wadi”. Our scripture reading was Amos 5:21-24. It was such a convicting, powerful message that it almost brought me to tears. And at the end, another gentleman led us in prayer for your very church and it DID bring me to tears. I am guilty of being numb and dried up at times – there is so much tragedy all around. All the time. What are we to do? After today I’ve realized the very least we can do is voice our compassion & empathy and not just look away. And here I find the opportunity though I wasn’t even looking. There are no coincidences.

    I cannot understand why or how anyone could do this. I can’t even bear to read about it, it hurts me so. In a strange way it has awoken my heart to emotions I am somewhat unfamiliar with. I don’t think I’m alone in this. Regardless of denomination, color, age, or anything else we are all hurting for you and wanting to love & help you somehow. I pray God shows this to you as a small sliver of comfort and I pray that my words are the right ones to convey love. When our brothers and sisters grieve, so should we. I’ll pray for you to the best of my ability.

  15. Praying for God’s peace to overwhelm you all and for His comfort to carry you through these dark days. Praying that as you trust in God’s goodness you will find that He is alone is your refuge and strength. “Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your hearts before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” Psalm 62:8

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