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School shooting

Pastor’s Family Mourning The Loss Of Daughter In Nashville Christian School Shooting

by Christel Berns March 29, 2023

written by Christel Berns

The pastor’s daughter was lost in the shooting at the private Christian school in Nashville this week. She was among the three children who lost their lives in the tragic event.

Mourning The Pastor’s Daughter From Nashville Christian School

On Monday, a tragic scene unfolded at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. As the 28-year-old Audrey Hale entered the school and began shooting. One of the children who was tragically lost in the incident was the daughter of the pastor, Hallie Scruggs.

Chad Scruggs [@chad.scruggs.3]. Chad Scruggs and Daughter Hallie. Facebook, 22 Dec. 2015, https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10153813510544695&set=a.433699694694

In a report by New York Post, the 9-year-old was the youngest daughter of Nashville Senior Pastor Chad Scruggs. A family friend posted the heartbreaking information on Facebook.

“This family needs grace like none other right now,” Michael Robison wrote. “They are an mainstay in Nashville… but they have the incredible weight of being the Pastor’s of the very church where this tragedy occurred. They need so many prayers….”

Prayers For The Scruggs

Further, he encouraged the community surrounding the Scruggs family to rise up for them. Then he encouraged the family, “May God surround you with men and women who will shelter your family in grace and love. Praying that God brings other great leaders to hold up your arms so your faith can remain steadfast in the face of hell itself.”

Chad Scruggs [@chad.scruggs.3]. Chad Scruggs and Daughter Hallie. Facebook, 28 July. 2022, https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10166440946765545&set=a.10153471546675545

Also, in an interview with WFAA-TV, Park Cities Senior Pastor Mark Davis, shared how they offered comfort to Pastor Scruggs and his family.

“They are so deeply connected to this [church] body,” he said. “Even now, members of our church are flying to Nashville to be with them. The impact they had here was enormous.”

Pastor Mark also revealed the father’s response to losing his only precious daughter. Despite the grief, he is finding his hope in Christ.

Chad Scruggs [@chad.scruggs.3]. Chad Scruggs and Daughter Hallie. Facebook, 11 Oct. 2019, https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10157784598869695&set=ecnf.511929694

“I listened to him lament,” he recounted. “I listened to him also say, we know she’s in the arms of Christ and we know he loves her more than we did.”

Let’s include the Scruggs family in our prayers as they mourn, including the families of the other shooting victims. May the God of peace and comfort reign in their hearts in this dark season.

Reference | Faithwire

Header Image: Chad Scruggs [@chad.scruggs.3]. Chad Scruggs and Daughter Hallie. Facebook, 11 Oct. 2019, https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10157784598869695&set=ecnf.511929694

March 29, 2023 0 comments

Articles Featured News

Columbine Shooting Victim Shared Her Faith To The End

by Le-Jovale Vallejo March 21, 2023

written by Le-Jovale Vallejo

Rachel Joy Scott was an American student who was killed in the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, along with 11 other students and a teacher.

It was done by two gunmen who were also students at the school.

Rachel Joy Scott

Rachel Joy Scott was born in August 1982 in Denver, Colorado. She was the middle child in a family of five, with two elder sisters, Bethanee and Dana, and two younger brothers, Craig and Mike.

Early on, Rachel discovered the impact that honest comments and deeds of kindness can have. She intentionally made contact with three groups of people in high school, and she documented the experience in her diary.

She wrote, “I want to reach out to those with special needs because they are often overlooked. I want to reach out to those who are new in school because they don’t have any friends yet. And I want to reach out to those who are picked on or put down by others.”

Sadly, she was taken too soon.

The Shooting

Rachel Joy Scott was a passionate Christian teen who was not hesitant to share her faith with others or discuss it openly in class. But her name suffered as a result of doing so. She experienced discrimination, betrayal, and challenges typical of high school students. She did, however, have a deep love for God. Her daily testimonies are recorded in her diaries.

Rachel saw Eric and Dylan, the shooters, three weeks before the incident. They experienced bullying, were rejected, and had a few friends, but Rachel realized that all they needed was Jesus. Sadly, they were blinded by hate and even produced insulting videos of her Christian beliefs.

Speaking the Name of Jesus

But Rachel stood her ground. She wrote, “I have no more personal friends at school, but you know what? I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus. I am not going to justify my faith to them, and I am not going to hide the light that God has put into me. If I have to sacrifice everything I will. I will take it. If my friends have to become my enemies for me to be with my best friend Jesus, then that’s fine with me.”

Rachel was the first victim shot on the school’s grounds the day of the shooting. She was shot once in the back and again in the legs by Dylan and Eric. The boys left but soon came back when they realized she was still alive. “Do you still believe in your God?” Dylan asked, grabbing her by the hair.

“You know I do.”

Eric then told her, “Then go be with him,” and he shot her in the head.

Rachel Joy Scott’s Legacy

Because of her story, millions were inspired to stand firm and defend their faith. Many know about the fatal shooting, but only a few know about the incredible person whose unwavering faith in God touched millions of lives.

Rachel looked like an ordinary girl. But it was only after her death that testimonies were spread about what she did. She didn’t know that her story prevented bullying, helped save others from self-harm and suicide, and even prevented gun violence in some schools. That’s the legacy of her story.

May the name of Jesus be glorified as Rachel’s story continues on.

Header image: Rachel Joy Scott [Rachel’s Challenge]. Website, 1999, https://rachelschallenge.org/our-story/about-rachel/#down

Reference: Rachel’s Challenge, To Save a Life

March 21, 2023 0 comments

Articles Featured

Grieving Husband Of Slain Texas Teacher Suddenly Dies After Wife’s Memorial

by Rhoda Gayle June 5, 2022

written by Rhoda Gayle

The grieving husband of the slain Texas teacher suddenly died after visiting the memorial of his late wife.

Grieving Husband

Irma Garcia was one of the two fourth-grade teachers who died along with 19 students during the horrific Uvalde, Texas school shooting on May 24 at Robb Elementary School. Two days after the event that shocked the entire country, a memorial was held for those who died that day. Families and friends gathered to honor and remember their loved ones.

Among those who went and brought flowers was Joe Garcia, husband of the late Irma. He left flowers at the memorial site of his high school sweetheart and wife for 24 years. However, upon returning home, the grieving husband suddenly collapsed at the home’s kitchen table.

“What happened was my Uncle Joe went to go leave flowers for my Tia (Aunt) Irma, his wife, and whenever he got back, he sat down at the kitchen table with his entire family, and after 3 minutes, he just fell over. I’m told my mom was giving him chest compressions. It happened around 10 o’clock. I know my little brother was there,” John of San Marcos, Texas, said in an interview.

Photo Courtesy: John Martinez

Texas Teacher

His family tried to revive him by giving him chest compressions before the paramedic arrived, but it was not successful. John Martinez, Joe’s nephew shared what happened that day.

“They called the ambulance and I was told they couldn’t bring him back. They took him to Uvalde Memorial Hospital. I’m not sure if they confirmed his death at the house or the hospital,” he added.

Irma and Joe had four children, ages 23, 19, 15, and 13. Sadly, these four young children are now planning two funerals for their parents. Joe is asking for prayers for their family as they face the most painful moment they’ve ever experienced.

“My Tia Irma’s husband Joe Garcia has passed away due to grief, I truly am at a loss for words for how we are all feeling, PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FAMILY, God have mercy on us, this isn’t easy,” Joe posted on Twitter.

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Reference: USA Today

June 5, 2022 0 comments

Articles Featured Spotlight

Award-Winning Actor Matthew McConaughey Offers Prayer For Families Of Mass Shooting Victims

by Rhoda Gayle June 3, 2022

written by Rhoda Gayle

The Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey offers prayers for the families of the mass shooting victims in his hometown Uvalde, Texas.

Matthew McConaughey

After the horrifying school shooting that happened last week in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Matthew posted on Twitter to share his thoughts about the event that shocked entire America. The actor from Uvalde called on every American to take action to prevent something like this to happen again.

“Once again, we have tragically proven that we are failing to be responsible for the rights our freedoms grant us,” he wrote on Twitter. “The true call to action now is for every American to take a longer and deeper look in the mirror and ask ourselves, ‘What is it that we truly value? How do we repair the problem? What small sacrifices can we individually take today to preserve a healthier and safer nation, state, and neighborhood tomorrow?’”

Photo Courtesy: Instagram | officiallymcconaughey

Uvalde Shooting

The 52-year-old father of three is urging everyone to overcome these issues. Now that the children are now being victims of these terrible crimes, we should protect the innocent ones.

“As Americans, Texans, mothers, and fathers, it’s time we re-evaluate and renegotiate our wants from our needs,” he continued. “We have to rearrange our values and find a common ground above this devastating American reality that has tragically become our children’s issue.”

Prayers

He then ended his statement by offering prayers to the family of the victims.

“To those who dropped off their loved ones today not knowing it was goodbye, no words can comprehend or heal your loss. But if prayers can provide comfort, we will keep them coming,” he said.

Let us continue to pray for those who are grieving and for the peace in the entire nation.

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Read God’s Word For You Today directly from your phone. Download the Daily Word app now on Google Play and Appstore

Reference: Twitter | Matthew McConaughey

June 3, 2022 0 comments

Articles Featured

Dad Reveals Tragic Daughter’s Final Moment During Texas Shooting, Died Trying To Save Classmates

by Rhoda Gayle May 31, 2022

written by Rhoda Gayle

A grieving dad revealed the tragic final moment of his daughter during the Uvalde, Texas school shooting, she died while trying to save her classmates.

Grieving dad

In an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Angel Garza recounts the heroic yet tragic final moment of his daughter Amerie Jo Garza. The 10-year-old student of Robb Elementary was trying to call the police when the gunman shot her.

“She was just trying to do the right thing. She was just trying to call the cops, that’s all,” he said. “I just want people to know that she just died trying to save her classmates. She just wanted to save everyone.”

Photo Courtesy: CNN

Amerie Jo Garza

Angel is one of the medical aides who first responded to the scene. Upon entering the school building, he saw a little girl covered with blood from head to toe. It was from here that he learned what happened to his sweet little girl.

“One little girl was just covered in blood head-to-toe. I thought she was injured. I asked her what was wrong, and she said ‘she was OK,’” he said. “She was hysterical saying they shot her best friend. … ‘She’s not breathing, and she tried to call the cops.’ I asked the little girl the name, and she said, she told me ‘Amerie, she said Amerie.’”

Texas school shooting

Another classmate also said that Amerie was trying to call the cops when the suspect took her life. Apparently, it was only recently when Amerie received her cellphone as a gift on her birthday on May 10.

Angel recalls her daughter as the “sweetest little girl” who never had trouble both in their home and her school. She was an honor student and an obedient daughter who loved her 3-year-old younger brother so much. Angel and his wife tried to explain to their toddler about her big sister’s death.

“We’ve informed him that his sister is now with God, and she will no longer be with us,” the emotional dad said.

First responder shares heartbreaking story of learning about daughter's death

Watch this video on YouTube

Grow closer to God daily by getting exclusive video teachings on God Today!

Read God’s Word For You Today directly from your phone. Download the Daily Word app now on Google Play and Appstore

Reference: CNN

May 31, 2022 0 comments

Articles Featured Video

Mom Who Lost 6-Year-Old Daughter To School Shooting Felt God’s Warmth Amid Grief

by Christel Berns May 28, 2022

written by Christel Berns

A mom who lost her 6-year-old daughter in a school shooting in 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut, felt God’s warmth amid tragic and painful loss.

2012 School Shooting

On December 14, 2012, a 20-year-old guy, Adam Lanza, went on a rampage in an elementary school before taking his own life. He shot aimlessly inside the campus, which took the lives of 20 children and six adults. And one of the victims who died was 6-year-old Catherine Hubbard.

Photo Courtesy | YouTube – 700 Club Interactive

Catherine and her brother Freddie went to the same school together. So, when the mass shooting incident happened, both of them were in the school. However, Catherine didn’t survive the mass shooting. And it deeply broke the heart of their mom, Jenny Hubbard.

Experiencing God’s Warmth

After losing her precious daughter, Jenny felt devastated and went through so much pain that she didn’t know what to do. It was a very tough season for the whole family. But Jenny attests how it forced them “to depend more heavily on God.”

Amid the grief and deep sadness, Jenny always felt God’s warmth telling her, “I’m here.”

Photo Courtesy | YouTube – 700 Club Interactive

“He knows my disappointment and my heartache, and that’s okay,” the mom recalled. “Because God’s bigger than that.”

As years passed, God began to heal and create a new heart in Jenny. She then began to understand that Catherine was never hers in the first place.

“She God’s! He’s brought her home,” the mom proclaimed. Then she explained that all of us are still here on earth for God’s specific purpose.

“We’re here because we still have work to be done,” she added. “He has a purpose for us.”

Acceptance

Further, Jenny explained how she have come to accept that she can’t be angry about losing her daughter when her time on earth ended. She would want to see her, but the mom stressed how she also doesn’t want “to take heaven away from her.”

Many families and parents may be grieving right now as the mass shooting in an elementary school happened again but in a different place. May Jenny’s testimony bring hope and comfort to those who lost their children and loved ones in these trying times.

Watch the full story.

Navigating Grief after a School Shooting - "I miss her laugh, I miss her bear hugs"

Watch this video on YouTube

Reference | YouTube – 700 Club Interactive

May 28, 2022 0 comments

Articles

13-Year-Old Miraculously Survives Seven Gunshot Wounds

by GOD TV August 2, 2019

written by GOD TV

A 13-year-old middle school student miraculously survived seven gunshot wounds inflicted by a fellow student.

Seven gunshot wounds

May 25, 2018, Ella Whistler was in her science class at Noblesville West Middle School when a classmate pulled out a gun.

The 13-year-old shooter asked to be excused during a science test and returned to the classroom with two handguns. He fired at his classmate Ella and his science teacher Jason Seaman. To avoid any further damage, Jason threw a basketball to the assailant and wrestled him to the ground. Jason took three bullets and was hailed a hero for his courageous and selfless actions to protect his students.

“I deeply care for my students and their well-being,” Jason stated.

Ella was shot seven times and she suffered injuries including a broken jaw, broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and broken vertebrae. A year later, Ella believes it was a miracle that she is still alive today.

“I really think that it’s a miracle I’m here,” Ella said in an interview.

Miracle

Ella’s family and friends surrounded her with love and support during her recovery. Her dad even expressed his gratitude to God for saving the life of his daughter.

“It’s amazing every day. Thank God she’s still here,” Ella’s dad said while hugging his daughter.

The shooter was arrested shortly after the incident with 0.22 caliber gun, a 0.45 caliber gun and a knife in possession. It was revealed that his dad owned the weapons and kept them in a safe in the basement. The assailant is now serving his time in a juvenile detention center.

Meanwhile, Ella is now doing physical therapy and looking forward to starting high school. She still maintains a positive outlook despite her the near-death incident.

Written by Rhoda Gayle

Reference: YouTube | Inside Edition

August 2, 2019 0 comments