As you might already know, SPU is reeling from the violence that occurred a couple days ago when a gunman killed one man and injured two others. He was stopped from hurting more by a brave young man with mace who was engaged to be married.
This particular baptism was poignant because she had recently become saved, and her mother had traveled overseas for this special occasion. Then, out of nowhere, this madness at SPU happened. She was in the same building where the the accused gunman, Aaron Ybarra, was. The young lady said hi to one of her friends moments before the gunman started shooting. That woman she said hi to was apparently one of the victims.
She almost refused to be baptized today under the circumstances. Her mother had come a long distance, but now her mother was there to comfort her. With great fortitude, the young lady went under the water with the pastor's care. It was an act that symbolized her death to her sinful life before she was saved, and rising up out of the water a new creation in Christ. Today though, it was an act that also symbolized how God had preserved her life in the chaos two days ago; she could have died, but God gave her life.
After the church service, I congratulated her on her baptism. At the time, she was taking photos with friends and family in the lobby of the church. On her left arm was writing memorializing the victims of the SPU shooting. When she was available, I told her how I thought she was so brave to be baptized today. Even though there didn't seem to be any sense to the tragedy, one day God would show her his grace through it all.
The suspected perpetrator of the crimes came to a Christian university to unleash his rage. He meant to harm as many people as he could, and for some reason, targeted a religious academic institution. Yet, God is making something beautiful out of the lives shattered by this incident.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Rom. 8:28 NIV).
