The recent shooting event at the Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia has once again shocked and traumatized another local community as well as the nation. Observing some of the comments from students, parents, and law enforcement, no one should feel that entering into the public square is synonymous with entering a war zone. But sadly, that feeling has been more commonplace than anyone might imagine.

On behalf of The Body of Christ Church Intl., USA, our hearts and prayers go out to our neighbors who experienced this horrific tragedy, and especially to those who lost loved ones in the melee that occurred on September 4, 2024. We invoke the God of all comfort to hold the bereaved in His embrace. (Philippians 4:7)

Demonic spirits of every sort do not recognize or respect, boundaries, borders, race, age, gender, social class, etc. People are realizing that such events could occur anywhere at anytime. Time and space do not allow a more detailed discourse on this topic. However, I point to 1Peter 5:8-9: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (NIV)

Let us remember in prayer our neighbors who have endured this senseless act of violence. And let us also remember to love our neighbors as ourselves.