SANTEE, Calif. (BP)–While the focus for many in the aftermath of campus shootings in Santee is on the 15-year-old assailant, some students see the tragedy as an opportunity for sharing with friends the hope found in Jesus Christ, according to a student evangelism specialist for the North American Mission Board.
Scott Grissom, who facilitates campus evangelism efforts on secondary school campuses, said students at Santana High School already are organizing a worship service Saturday evening to focus on seeking God’s direction. Grissom was in Santee this week meeting with Christian students and church youth leaders.
“The event Saturday night is being initiated and led by students, and that’s consistent with what God’s doing on campus,” Grissom said.
“I think what will come out of this,” he added, “is that among some students there is a remnant that is eager to strike while the iron is hot and say to their friends, ‘We’re not immortal. Life is short and our lives could end without warning, and when it does are we going to be ready to face our creator.'”
Grissom also said leaders of the same campus Christian club organizing the worship service have also expressed an interest in incorporating intentional evangelism more directly in their ministry at the school. NAMB’s campus evangelism strategy is based largely on equipping clubs with the FiSH! strategy — a four-week cycle of meetings designed to help members lead friends to faith in Christ.
“There are going to be all kinds of things going on at churches,” he said. “But if we can help these students create an environment to share the gospel during the club meeting, I think that is going to reap the greatest harvest. Kids are more likely to attend something like that than they are a meeting at church.”
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