Can any of us forget the horrible tragedy that occurred on April 20, 1999, when 1 teacher and 12 students, including Christian teenager Rachel Scott, were killed, and 24 others wounded, by two classmates at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado? This was not the first shooting at an American high school, and unfortunately not the last. But it is the one we, who do not live in one of the communities forever scarred by this kind of horror, remember most vividly.

  Why do we remember this event? Is it because of the high number of lives taken? Is it because of the seemingly heartless acts by two angry teenagers? Is it because of the climate of hate and violence that seems to pervade our society? Is it because of the confession of faith professed by those who died as told by those who lived? Is it because we are afraid the same thing could happen in our schools, our communities? Is it because of how God is redeeming this tragedy by making us all look at ourselves, our commitment to Christ, and our responsibility to be agents of peace by proclaiming the Gospel of Peace in our world? Or do we remember for all these reasons?

The reason I am bringing this to your attention is to let you know of a unique opportunity we in the Gladstone community will have this month. On Thursday, February 9, Gladstone High School will hold an assembly for the nationally recognized campaign entitled “Rachel's Challenge”. Rachel Scott’s father, Darrell Scott, will speak to students in two assemblies, spend time with the GHS leadership class, and speak to community members and parents at 7:00 p.m. in the GHS auditorium. Gladstone School Superintendent Bob Stewart writes about this presentation: Mr. Scott has spoken in churches, schools and other locations including school safety conferences. His message is about making a difference, one-person-at-a-time, through kindness and compassion. I have heard him speak and it is a powerful message. Part of the presentation includes video of the news reports about Columbine. I encourage you to attend the community meeting.

“Rachel’s Challenge” is based on an essay this strong Christian teen wrote which she titled “My Ethics, My Codes of Life.” In this essay she issued a challenge to her generation: I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. Those who knew her recall her as a person who lived those words as she lived her faith in Jesus. Her family believes she did not die in vain, but is an example to the rest of us to make a difference in our communities, not only with the goal of making our schools safer, but also to make us better people. Isn’t it just like our God to use such a tragic event to offer hope to our world?

     And as an added bonus, Darrell Scott will be speaking at Gladstone Christian Church on Sunday, February 12. What a great opportunity for us to hear this man’s testimony, and message of faith in God in spite of personal loss. Pray for the ways God will use this program in our school and community. Pray for hearts to be touched and lives changed. Pray that many will answer Rachel Scott’s real challenge--to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord!

Denis Whittet