Campus Ministry Responds to UNCC Shooting

A Message from Rev. Steve Cheyney, UNCC Niner United Campus Pastor
 

This wasn’t God’s plan.

Yesterday evening, as you know, our campus became a tragic scene of violence. You may have witnessed firsthand things that can’t be unseen. You may know one of the two students who lost their life. You may know one of the four who were injured. You may know the assailant. You may have been in lockdown. You may have been in fear. Whatever you may have experienced, this was a very horrific day for our campus.

No matter the horror, this wasn’t God’s plan. Psalm 46:1 reminds us that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” May God be your refuge and strength - your present help during these troubling days. The Gospel of John reminds us that when Jesus heard of his friend’s death, he began to weep. In God’s strength, God still weeps with us. Nowhere does the Bible say acts of violence like these are part of God’s plan.

So, may we come together in love and peace and figure out as a community how to help one another, and how to grieve together. May we also know and sense the love of God in and through Christ Jesus who mourns with us, yet also gives us hope. Tonight, after the university vigil, a multitude of area clergy will be available in room 261 of the Student Union.

As your campus pastor, I am also available as you need. Please let me know how I can help.

Grace and peace,

Rev Steve Cheyney