For the fifth time in nine months, our bulletin cover will remember innocent victims caught in the wave of tragedy. Today we acknowledge and grieve with the world the loss of those killed in Nice, France. The tragic event occurred when a large truck plowed through crowds gathered in celebration of France’s Bastille Day. Early reports indicate 80 individuals have lost their lives with many, many more in critical condition in area hospitals. The truck’s driver was killed by security staff. The vehicle was said to have been carrying a large quantity of explosive devices.

This tragedy came on the heals of our day of fasting and prayer following the deaths of five Dallas police officers, along with Philando Castille and Alton Sterling of Falcon Heights, MN and Baton Rouge, LA. The following is a message from Gary Walter, president of the Evangelical Covenant Church, in response to those fatal domestic events. His comments are applicable to Nice’s situation as well.

 

…And so first, I implore us to prayer. In your own life, in your church services, and in joining together with other churches in your area, intercede specifically for each family of those who lost loved ones. Pray for the healing of the wounded. Pray for those who weep—whether they weep for the dangers of being a young black man in these disorienting times, or weep for the dangers of being a police officer in these frayed times. Cry out to God in lament for deep cultural fissures and resentments. Pray for our churches in the Twin Cities, Louisiana, and Dallas as they seek to be salt and light. And remember the hope of Christ.

But don’t stop at prayer. Resolve to contribute to peacemaking. Remember Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Children of God. Friends, peacemaking is supposed to be a family trait of the family of God.

 

Let us all in our own little worlds increase the harmony of our planet by living out our discipleship in peacemaking.