Insights @ Faith Lutheran

Las Vegas Tragedy and Our Response: Thankful

Posted by Dr. Steve Buuck on Oct 4, 2017 4:47:14 PM
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Make no mistake.  There is still disbelief.  There is still fear.  There is still pain.  There is still grief.  At least 60 are dead; more than 500 are injured.  Countless others wounded emotionally.  Unanswered questions like “Why?!?” still abound among the madness.

Yet in the midst of the chaos, God has been faithful.   He has heard the cries of schools, churches, and citizens around the world praying for peace and comfort and strength.  He has answered those prayers with a resounding “Yes!”  

Therefore, a few days after the horrific event, you can’t help but feel thankful.  For those of us who live here in the 702, we know that this city of just over 2 million people is the smallest city in the world.  Everyone seems to know everyone, and therefore, everyone cares about everyone.  

Thankful for the heart of Las Vegans and Americans who have risen up and done heroic things:  from first responders running toward danger while many were trying to escape, to complete strangers who risked their lives helping and saving others, to lines of blood donors so long they had to be turned away, to supplies as simple as food and water and money being donated.  The simplest acts of kindness and the larger-than-life heroic acts have all banded together to build a monumental tribute to a truly fascinating American city.   

Perhaps we’ll have a new theme for our beautiful city:  “What happens in Vegas...brings Vegas together.”  We have seen the very best of humanity rise up in the face of the very worst of humanity.

Thankful that our twin sister seniors are recovering; one has been released from the hospital while another remains in a trauma room in stable condition.  Both of their smiling faces and upbeat voices were seen and heard on Good Morning America yesterday.   Our male alum also continues down the road to recovery following surgery for two bullet shots, one to the upper arm and one through his back.  

Thankful that on our campus, so many teachers, counselors, administrators, and staff were able to be the comforting and reassuring hands, voice, and feet of Jesus to our 1900 students.  Thankful that area pastors and counselors reached out to help our grieving students.  Thankful that the Lutheran Church Charities sent its comfort dogs and handlers to our school.  Thankful to the LCMS including our synodical president Reverend Matthew Harrison who reached out with prayer, encouraging words, and offers to help.  Thankful to Lutheran schools from almost all 50 states who have contacted us with their prayers and thoughtful words.  God is on the move!

God’s promises in verses like Psalm 9:9, “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” have proven true!  Each day the volume on campus is rising as more and more energy and strength is being prayed back into us through God’s Holy Spirit.  God’s faithfulness does endure forever.

Many have asked what they can do to help.  At this point, prayers continue to be our greatest need and source of strength.  There may be near future needs of financial, medical, and counseling services and/or costs for those injured physically and emotionally.  We will keep you posted on those as they arise.

Our state’s bold official slogan is “Battle Born” as Nevada was admitted to the union in 1864 during the Civil War.  Quite fitting I’d say given that we’ve just encountered a battle with evil, and the people of Nevada have risen up and proven greater with their relentless spirit and soundly defeated that which was intended to terrorize.  Heartbroken, yes; defeated, no.  Reminds me of Jesus though apparently beaten by evil on Good Friday, rose up on Easter Sunday and defeated death once and for all.  It's in His victory that we ultimately find ours at Faith Lutheran.  

God bless you, God bless the city of Las Vegas, and God bless the Faith Family.

In Christ, 

Dr. Steve Buuck

 

 

Announcements for the Faith Family:

  • All after school activities and clubs continue as normally scheduled.
  • The Lip Sync Event is open to family and friends and will be held during Homecoming assembly on Friday, Oct 6th from 1:15-2:40 pm.
  • The Homecoming Football Game is on Friday, October 6th at 7:00 PM
    • During the game, T-shirts and bracelets will be sold to support the Baca sisters recovery

Welcome to Insights

Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School strives to be the standard of excellence for Christian schools around the world. In addition, our mission statement is Everyone Prepared! Everyone Saved!  Insights @ Faith Lutheran gives you a glimpse into what we do and why we do it.  Subscribe to learn about our unique programs, best practices, and awesome students.  

 

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