eNews

Comment and Funeral details

We have no doubt all heard of the untimely death of Matt Stanley, a young Redlands College boy who was bashed last Saturday night, and who on Sunday evening died from his injuries.

A number of RCRC families are touched by Matt’s death: he was a schoolmate and friend to a number of young people in our church family. Following his death, the Monday night young person’s small group opened their doors to any young people in the community who wanted to talk about Matt’s death. About 45 young people turned up – all trying to come to terms with this senseless death and equally senseless violence.

In reality, though, we are all impacted by this death. It happened on our streets. In our community. Our backyard. And we need prayerfully to consider two things. First: what is happening in our society when aggression sits so close to the surface, not just in general, but in children? Why do events like these even happen? Sure, we know about the fall and our capacity for wrong: but violence and rage seems more prominent today than ever before. These things are consequence of a society we ourselves are building. And, before God, that is reason for pause.

Second: we need to consider the alternative voice of the Gospel. How would God want our community to be different? How can reflections of life and hope be spoken and lived following Matt Stanley’s death? How can we work towards non aggression and non violence? Part of the answer is that we start at home. We watch our own responses and seek Christ’s Spirit to mould and shape our attitudes and values. We help our kids think critically about the violence they see on TV, in movies, and computer games. There is some stuff we simply should not let in our homes. Not merely with a blanket rule, but also through discussing with our kids the value of human life, and that anything which devalues or diminishes it is anti-Kingdom. We actively change in obedience to Jesus that His likeness will be reflected in our lives. Gospel people could also get involved in community groups that help people deal with violence: put your care and concern into actions that matter.

Finally, remember that the Jesus who lives is the one who will both bring ultimate justice, and the one who will wipe every tear from our eyes. Pray especially that his life will bring hope as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

Can I encourage you to pray for Paul and Kay Stanley, and their son Nick? Uphold them in their loss and ask for God’s grace to surround them and comfort them.

Dave

Funeral - Friday 2:30pm at RCRC

Paul & Kay Stanley approached RCRC to host Friday’s funeral, and a small army of people have already swung into action to do what needs to be done for what will probably be a large event.

Thankyou, friends, for you willingness to serve this family and their loved ones in their time of need. God is wonderfully blessing others through your ministry.