To Our CLF Family,
We have been heartbroken over the events of the past week. We have lost innocent lives, loving family members, mothers, fathers, children, and caring Christians that would warmly welcome visitors to share their worship time and make them feel their love for Christ. Events cruelly similar have plagued our country over the past several years, and each time we have prayed to keep our city safe; let it never happen again; and, perhaps, this time, things will change.
I believe, in Charleston, SC, things have changed in the wake of this tragedy.
The expression of love and forgiveness from the fallen ones’ families for this young man who created this tragedy is yet another example of Christian virtue. The outpouring of support by the black and white churches and community for the families of these victims is a lasting, blessed example that, under the name of Jesus, there are no racial divides.
It is sad to say but there will always be evil and events like this with hate-filled, unbalanced people erupting in violence. But things have changed in Charleston by our demonstration of unity in our Holy City.
What can we do as members of the Charleston Leadership Foundation community of believers? One of the key founding principles of CLF was to improve the racial relations in Charleston, so let’s don’t stop now. We can make the unity of this past week a solid foundation to build upon for the future. If you are white, reach out to your black friends over the coming days to express your heartfelt sorrow. If you are black, reach out to your white friends and share your feelings. Racial divides melt away when friends fellowship with friends.
Let’s all pledge to pray for: healing within the victims’ families, our community, and that Charleston can become yet a purer model of what a Holy City can look like.
Blessings and Peace,
Jerry Young
Founder
Charleston Leadership Foundation
Romans 12:9-16,21
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.