This day is significant. Not only is it Resurrection Day, when we celebrate the resurrection from the dead of the Lord Jesus, but it is also the anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre. Joy and sorrow are mingled.

 As we remember the deaths of twelve students and a teacher here in our community, we also embrace the memory of an empty tomb in Jerusalem, where our Lord Jesus Christ conquered death, and are comforted in knowing that in Christ there is everlasting hope.

 As my thoughts drift back four years to that awful spring day when shots and explosions were heard in our community, the emotions and images come rushing back as if it were yesterday. Emergency vehicles rushing to the school, police, firefighters, and medics standing helplessly by as the screams and cries of wounded and dying students drifted out of the bullet-shattered windows of their school building. My mind is filled with images of the crowds of frantic parents trying to gain some word of their children, while authorities tried to cope with two murderers stalking the school.

 How can I put in words the agony that many of the parents are feeling today as they go to gravesides to yet again water the grass growing over the graves of their children? How can we, who witnessed their sorrow and grief, hope to bring any word of comfort when all the world has moved on? So many days have passed, with so many other tragedies and events in our world having occurred, and yet on this special day, time stands still as we relive yet again the nations most bloody school violence incident in history.

I ask that you say a prayer for the families and friends of:

Rachel Scott
Cassie Bernall
Steven Curnow
Cory DePooter
Kelly Fleming
Matt Kechter
Daniel Mauser
Daniel Rohrbough
William Sanders
Isaiah Shoels
John Tomlin
Lauren Townsend
Kyle Velasquez

Also, please pray for the wounded students, especially those who continue to suffer.

 We must never forget what happened at Columbine. While we battle foes in distant lands, and wrestle with the horrors of terrorism, we must not neglect the dangers right in our midst. Our schools continue to be a needy place where so many students are without moral or ethical compasses. Let us renew our determination to push for ethics and character education in our nations schools. Lets redouble our efforts to bring freedom to our schools so that students can grow up in a safe, moral, and ethically nourishing environment. I thank God for the wonderful example of faithful endurance for the sake of Christ that Rachel Scott and other believing students gave that fateful day.

 Lets also remember that the greatest victory for all mankind was won when Life Himself came out of an empty tomb on that first resurrection morning! We who have trusted in Jesus know that even in the midst of struggle and pain, there is a sure victory ahead of us, and we have nothing to fear!

 Happy Resurrection Day to you and yours! May this day bring renewed hope to your life, and cause you to shine the love of Jesus to the world around you with even greater brilliance! Thanks again to each of you who have continued to help us spread this message across the nation. Your continued support allows us to touch the lives of many thousands! For those of you who have yet to read my account of this tragedy, you may obtain a copy of my book, The Martyrs' Torch by visiting our website. www.torchgrab.org

Warmly in the love of Christ, the RISEN SAVIOR,

Bruce Porter
Torchgrab Ministries