Most of you probably didn’t see the news story, but 2 girls were murdered in south Fulton County over spring break. One of the girls was the president of the student council at the middle school where I tutor weekly. In fact, she was a student in the home room next door to the one that I work in.

I got the call on Easter afternoon. The principal wanted me there at 8:30 the next morning to counsel with teachers and students. So, with no real counseling experience, I went, but I didn’t go alone. I was counting on the Holy Spirit to give me the words that I needed, and He did.

I spoke to three homerooms, including the home room of the girl that was killed. I tried to encourage them to think about the good things that their friend had taught them and to live out those things in honor of her. Then, I counseled a group of eight students that were having a rough time.

I have to say, yesterday might have been the hardest day I have ever had in ministry. I’m still drained. It’s hard to offer real comfort without being able to talk about the redemption that is found in Christ, but I had to walk that line between church and state carefully.

I guess I’m writing all of this to point out a few things:

• Being involved in the local community is crucial if you want to be able to offer support and encouragement during times of need.
• Counseling is less about formal training and more about listening to the Holy Spirit (not that formal training is bad).
• Sometimes to honor Jesus and serve our community we have to walk into places and situations that are not comfortable.
• Sometimes we ask why, but there is no good answer.
• Sometimes life sucks.
• We must press on.

1. ben Says:
   April 10th, 2007 at 1:47 pm

   adam- i’m glad you could be there for those students and I just want to encourage you that i am sure God used the things you said to comfort them. i’m proud of you man.

2. David Says:
   April 10th, 2007 at 7:45 pm

   Ya, it was hard, but christ does all things to prosper us not to harm us! Thanks for the support you gave me, and all the rest of the students! But I can say this God is at work, and he has very good plans instore for all of us!

   In Christ,
   David

3. Scott Says:
   April 10th, 2007 at 10:24 pm

   Adam,

   I know that public schools aren’t known for having the light of the gospel shining. I praise Jesus for having you in that place to be a minister for Him. I am praying for you and all of the students and families. Stand in grace, brother.

4. Marc Says:
   April 11th, 2007 at 10:29 am

   Adam,

   I pray that God will encourage your heart today and help you to continue to love others for His fame. What a testimony to the power of Christ. You have served for a while at that school and blessed many. You most likely would not have been called upon to offer an ear of words of hope if you had just been the youth pastor down the street that drops in every now and then. We seem to always be trying to simplify ministry in terms of making it easy, it is not. We must labor, and then labor some more, and when we are tired, labor. Praise God for the Holy Spirit, for indwelling power and encouragement. Press on brother!! Thank you for being faithful to Jesus and people.