Faith
Faith, Loss, and Prayer After Church Tragedy
Faith Facts
- A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis claimed two young lives and wounded many others during a Catholic school Mass.
- Malia Kimbrell, whose daughter Vivian was injured, called for policy action while acknowledging the significance of faith in the healing process.
- Christian leaders, including Pastor Greg Laurie and Rev. Franklin Graham, emphasized the enduring power of prayer amid national sorrow.
Following the devastating attack on August 27, families and believers gathered in sorrow and resilience, holding steadfast to their faith while facing unimaginable loss. A mother’s grief was heard throughout the nation as she spoke on the need for more than sympathy in the wake of violence affecting innocent children.
Kimbrell’s 9-year-old daughter, Vivian, endured severe injuries, but the heartbreak grew as families grieved children they could not bring home. Kimbrell described that day as a “horrific massacre,” and mourned not only her daughter’s suffering but also the families who lost their loved ones entirely.
“I got to take my child home after this horrific massacre,” Kimbrell said. “But the Moyskis didn’t and the Merkels didn’t. We all dropped our kids off that morning, but we didn’t all get to take our kids home.”
While Malia Kimbrell recognized the restorative role of faith for her family, she stressed that “prayers didn’t stop the bullets.” She insisted on deliberate action to prevent future tragedies and advocated for mental health resources and protective measures for children in schools.
She underscored the weight of responsibility by inviting lawmakers to see firsthand the results of inaction. “Any lawmaker who stands in the way of that happening,” she said, “will be invited to my home to hold Vivian’s hand while they change her dressings and clean her bullet wounds.”
Christian leaders responded by reaffirming the Biblical truth that prayer remains powerful and essential, especially in times of crisis. Pastor Greg Laurie declared that America needs prayer “now more than ever” and pointed to Christ’s example during trials and sacrifice.
“No truer thing could be said about our nation right now than this: we need prayer,” Laurie stated, echoing 2 Chronicles 7:14’s call for humility, repentance, and steadfast faith.
Rev. Franklin Graham defended the importance of prayer against critics, reminding believers that invoking God’s presence brings hope and spiritual comfort, even as evil persists in the world. “But prayer is our opportunity to communicate directly with the God of Heaven and take our petitions to Him,” Graham reflected, calling believers to continue seeking the Lord’s guidance and peace.
In times of trial, Christians are called not only to mourn, but also to stand firm in faith and take responsibility, striving for positive change rooted in Biblical courage and compassion.
Let us remember our calling to love, pray without ceasing, and advocate boldly for our children and communities as we seek God’s will and justice in a troubled world.
Faith Facts
- The Lausanne Movement’s LIGHT research division is exploring how artificial intelligence affects the work of fulfilling the Great Commission.
- The LIGHT Briefing calls the Church to ensure AI is used with discernment, prioritizing Christ-centered mission and authentic human relationships.
- Researchers emphasize biblical values by offering an ethical framework that keeps technology aligned with justice, truth, mercy, and love.
Christian leaders are seeking wisdom as artificial intelligence transforms communication, outreach, and discipleship. The Lausanne Movement urges the Church to govern new technologies by faith and grounding in Scripture.
The church is encouraged to reject both fear and misplaced optimism, choosing instead to prayerfully consider how AI can support—never replace—God’s call to spread the Gospel.
“AI is neither savior nor threat in itself. Rather, its value depends on how it is discerned, governed, and deployed by God’s people.”
Believers are challenged to model transparency, fairness, and accountability while recognizing that digital tools can never replace Spirit-led, personal gospel witness.
“The gospel remains unchanged. Biblical commands transcend technological innovation and demand faithful proclamation, regardless of medium.”
It remains vital that evangelism expresses Christ’s love through genuine presence, as only human ambassadors can fulfill the Great Commission’s relational call.
“While AI may augment, it must always serve, not supplant, the spirit-filled human herald in proclaiming the good news and fulfilling the Great Commission.”
The church must move forward with courage and prayer, trusting God’s mission will not falter in the digital age.
Faith Facts
- The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed deep concern about violence and unrest following Tanzania’s recent election.
- Key opposition leaders faced arrest and exclusion from the election, raising questions about fairness and transparency.
- The WCC called for an investigation into the violence and urged protection of human rights and accountability.
Christian leaders emphasized the sanctity of human life, highlighting that every life is a gift from God and must be honored, even amid political turmoil. They denounced the use of lethal force against citizens standing for peaceful assembly and free expression.
Dr Jerry Pillay, WCC General Secretary, declared,
“Reports of widespread protests, excessive use of force by security agencies, and numerous civilian casualties are deeply distressing and call for urgent moral reflection and accountability.”
He further stated,
“The sanctity of human life — a gift from God — must be protected at all times, and no political process should ever justify the shedding of innocent blood.”
The WCC stands in solidarity with the people of Tanzania, supporting faith-driven calls for peace, dialogue, and justice, and affirming the vital contributions of Christian organizations in seeking reconciliation.
Faithful believers are called to uphold Christian values by praying for Tanzania and advocating for truth, accountability, and protection of freedoms guaranteed by God.
Faith Facts
- The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Kim Davis’s petition, leaving the 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage in place.
- Kim Davis was previously jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her Christian convictions.
- Liberty Counsel continues to support Davis, emphasizing the need to protect religious liberty for public officials.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to reconsider Obergefell v. Hodges keeps the national legalization of same-sex marriage unchanged. The decision also leaves in place a ruling requiring Kim Davis to pay substantial legal fees related to her stand for biblical marriage.
“This cannot be right because government officials do not shed their constitutional rights upon election,” stated Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel Chairman.
Believers must remain vigilant, standing for religious freedom and biblical principles in the public square. Our faith calls us to uphold God’s design for marriage while advocating for the rights of Christians to live out their convictions.
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