Thursday, December 03, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that I write this letter to you concerning the events that occurred yesterday in the city of San Bernardino, CA.
On Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at around 11:00am, two assailants, who were heavily armed and dressed, entered into a conference room located at the Inland Regional Center, an organization that provides care and services to the disabled persons, and opened fire leaving 14 dead and 21 injured.
Later, these assailants were confronted by law enforcement officers, shot and killed on the scene after a car chase that began in the city of Redlands and ended back in San Bernardino, in a residential neighborhood a short distance from where the original massacre occurred.
At the time of this writing, the news reporting agencies are beginning to release the names and identities of the deceased and giving us a glimpse into their lives; who they were and who they leave behind.
I say all of this, not to rehash the tragic events that occurred yesterday, but to remind us of just how fragile our lives are and how quickly things can change.
“Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”
– James 4:14
My wife is an employee at the Inland Regional Center and although her actual place of employment is at a nearby satellite office, she spends a lot of time there and was actually scheduled to attend an annual Christmas party in the same conference room next week; a place where she’s attended several work-related events, similar to the one that was going on at the time of the shooting.
Needless to say, this incident hits home for me in many ways, yet I write this to encourage and comfort you in these very difficult times.
These ACTS OF TERROR, which is what they are, can and will not breaks us!
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
– II Timothy 1:7
The devil is busy this holiday season, as he always is, but he WILL NOT succeed in his attempts to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) Our faith and resolve is only strengthened as we endure these hardships as good soldiers for Christ Jesus. (II Timothy 2:3-5)
This is a time for us to stand in solidarity and LIFT UP THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST as we begin to pick up the pieces and strengthen what remains (Revelation 3:2-3), even as the narrative continues to unfold. Be strong and of good courage (Joshua 1:9), hold fast to your faith (Hebrews 10:23) and “…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD…” (I Corinthians 15:58) knowing that He is still sovereign, in control and that ALL THINGS, even this, work together for good for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:38)
Lastly, as the names of the deceased are released, their identities revealed and their stories told, please remember to pray earnestly without ceasing. (Luke 18:1) This really happened and these are real people, with real families, who are in need of a REAL GOD to comfort them during this time. Also pray for those who have been injured and are currently receiving medical care, that God will grace them with supernatural healing and for full recovery.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
– Matthew 5:4
In His service,
Charles S. Henderson
Senior Pastor – Relevant Church Inland Empire
