We have been praying for the many who have been affected by the tragedy at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.  Students, faculty and families have been hurt emotionally and spiritually.  There is need for spiritual support for all who have been affected by this unfortunate event.

Pray for all who have been affected by this tragedy.  That includes families of those who were killed, students and faculty, and all emergency workers that were involved.  Please, also, pray for the family of the student who was the shooter and for those students from his home country.  Ask God to give a spirit of forgiveness and healing.   There are spiritual counselors who have gathered in the Blacksburg area to help in the grieving process.  Pray that those who need help will accept the help that is offered.

Please remember that each person handles grief in a personal way.  Some were a bit taken aback at the tone of the convocation on Tuesday evening.  Please give those who are grieving time and space to grieve.  I have learned from ministering to many in tragic situations that each person handles tragedy differently.  The students and faculty at Virginia Tech are somewhat of a family and are grieving together in a way that helps them get through this time.  In Second Samuel 12, David's servants could not understand his manner of grieving at his son's death. 

There may be opportunities to share with grieving persons.  We have a radio outlet in Blacksburg, VA, so pray that many at Virginia Tech will tune in and find comfort from the radio ministry.

Harold Richards
Director of Biblical Counseling
BBN