Some Testimony to God's work in Jefferson County/Things you
won't hear about in the news:
Funerals - John Tomlin, Rachel Scott, and Cassie Bernall's funerals/memorial services were
very evangelical and evangelistic in nature. All three focused 90% on Christ and 10% on
the individual. The gospel was presented clearly in each of the funerals and a number of
the local youth made first time commitments to Christ in each of the services. The true
faith of the parents
and desire to draw others to Christ through the life & death of their children was
very evident..
1. John Tomiln's Memorial Service (16) - John was a committed believer. He was active in
mission work. John's friend shared at the funeral that although John was a great guy, he
was not going to heaven because of that. He was going to heaven because of his trust and
fellowship with Christ. This was a reoccurring theme throughout the memorial service.
There were a number of first time commitments to Christ that took place at the memorial
service.
2. Rachel Scott's Funeral (17) - Rachel was a committed believer who desired to go into
missionary work in Africa. Her prom date shared how her faith and impacted him and those
around her in the school. Over 15 first time commitments to Christ occurred at the
funeral.
3. Cassie Bernall/Martyr's Funeral (17) - Cassie was totally anti-Christian 2 years ago.
She was involved in witchcraft and suicidal. Her parents forcibly drug her into the youth
pastor's office. Through the prayers of her church's youth group, parents, and youth
pastor.. Cassie later returned to the youth pastor and said "You'll never guess what
I did today... I gave my life to
Christ..." - From that point forward, Cassie was a radical evangelist on her campus.
The funeral showed some video tape of her sharing parts of her testimony which were very
powerful. It is because of her radical faith on Campus that she was asked if she believed
in God - She replied "Yes, I believe in God" From that she was killed.. I can
say that her parents were devastated but proud of their daughter (she looks exactly like
her mother).
The funeral was more of a celebration of Christ's work in her and through her and a number
of girls shared how she had led them to faith... At Cassie's Memorial Service a number of
kids made first time commitments to Christ. At the funeral, the pastor and a member of the
musical group presented the gospel twice and offered the "Sinner's Prayer"
twice.. - Her funeral was more of an evangelistic event than a mourning of the loss.. I
was very touched by the testimony of her friends along with the clear presentation of the
gospel (in attendance was everyone from the JeffCo SWAT Team, Paramedics, District
Attorneys' Office, etc).. I feel honored to have been able to witness such an event &
watch God work through her death to bring life to others.
Other's worth mentioning/Praying For:
John & Steve Cohen - They wrote "Friend of Mine/Columbine" a evangelistic
song regarding their school and the need for God's redemption. The memorial service
televised internationally on Sunday was opened with the song. They have had the
opportunity to clearly present the gospel on Good Morning America and theToday Show (this
morning in fact). I spent about 30 minutes talking to them. Steve is the leader of the
Columbine Bible Club which apparently was very very large. His (and his brother's) faith
were very apparent and their tender/gentle hearts clearly showed through. They are a true
testimony of great faith in a young age. [On a side note - They are in a Christian Ska
band-I forgot the name]... Their clear articulation of the Gospel on several
national (and international) shows is a great witness to their faith & to God's
amazing work through this incident..
Craig Scott (15) - Craig was sitting between Isaiah Shoels and Matt Kechter in the
library. Matt was his best friend. Both Matt & Isaiah were shot and Craig played dead,
lying in their blood. Craig then led a number from the library out to safety. He then led
those from the library in prayer for their brothers & sisters who were still in the
school. He shared that one by one his friends siblings came out - but his never did. He
lost his best friend and sister.
The next day on the Today show he shared his story then affirmed
that he would be getting through this with God's help. He clearly affirmed that his hope
is in God and that he and his family will make it through. In the midst of his pain - the
hope he has was very apparent.
My Youth Ministry Friends - I spent 5 hours this evening at a Youth Leader Gathering at
Foothills Bible Church. We had almost 400 Youth Pastors from the local area showed up. I'd
ask for your prayers for the youth leaders in the Jefferson County area. I can't imagine
what it would be like to lose a member of one of the youth groups I've been involved in..
These youth ministers were devastated and drained but their hope in Christ was very clear.
I had the opportunity to minister to and pray with a number of JeffCo Youth Pastors today
& was very encouraged.. They are an amazing bunch who are exhausted emotionally and
physically & need the prayers of others...
Clement Park - After Cassie's Funeral - I spent some time at Clement Park with some youth
pastor brothers. I was encouraged to see that about 90% of the notes left were clearly
evangelical and expressed the need to turn to Jesus and His atoning sacrifice. If you are
in the local area - I would say this is a sight your children should see.. I noticed a
number of parents with middle school and elementry age children using this as a
"teachable moment"... I
heard a number of people sharing the gospel with visitors (though L.Ron Hubbard folks were
there passing out materials also)
Jefferson County - The minute I drove into Jefferson County - I felt the clear presence of
the Holy Spirit at work. The city is ripe for the harvest. I've heard testimonies of 10's
to 50's at a time turning to Christ at each of the various memorials and services. The
gospel is being clearly presented at every event. The churches are united in service and
effort / the sense of community among the believers is amazing. The churches are being
supported by the
community in amazing ways. At the youth pastor event we had more food than everyone could
eat and take home.. Local restaurants are giving away thousands of meals to the churches..
God is working through secular organizations and businesses for His purpose. At the youth
event - Group Publishing/Youth Specialties donated hundreds and hundreds of youth material
books/etc. They had more than everyone could take.
I'm writing all this to encourage you in that our Lord and Savior works in mysterious
ways. Through the death of believers like Cassie, John and Rachel He has brought new life
to thousands.... I've seen the Gospel presented on CNN (& CNN International - Live) a
number of times.. Even more so on the local stations.. Amazingly - Often by youth.... The
church in the area is united,
the believers focus is on Christ (it's amazing how fast priorities change in a situation
like this) and the city is hungering for the Gospel.. Christ is clearly working in
infinite ways through this incident...
Please pray for the churches/ministers and for the pre-Christians in Jefferson County and
Praise God for His Amazing ways... And please be encouraged by the amazing workings of our
Lord through tragedies like this...
BTW - This was in Cassie's Funeral program. Cassie's brother Chris found a poem Cassie had
written just two days prior to her death.
"Now I have given up on everything else I have found it to be the only way To really
know Christ and to experience The mighty power that brought Him back to life again, and to
find Out what it means to suffer and to Die with him. So, whatever it takes I will be one
who lives in the fresh Newness of life of those who are Alive from the dead."
God Bless,
Hansel
Denver Seminary
PS - For those that are curious - The passages used for Dylan Klebold's funeral Saturday
were about David and Absolom and how although Absolom rebelled against his father (David)
and drew up an army to fight against him - David still loved him and mourned his death...
There was a private funeral with only 12 in attendance. I have heard that Dylan's older
brother's best friend had felt called to share the Gospel with their family last
Christmas. None responded then - but he has now returned from college and is flying back
to minister to the family..
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