Some of you may be aware that there has been a tragic shooting on the campus of Virginia Tech. Reports are that at least 31 students have died, and others are injured. Apparently the gunman was a fellow student and has also been killed.

We rise in solidarity with our fellow students, faculty, staff on another campus. I would ask you to lift this campus up in prayer throughout the day. Please pray for family, friends, and the whole campus where this heinous event has happened. While it is so hard to understand such things, we can at least pray for God’s hand of comfort and peace amidst the grief and horrible loss. I want you to know, while any campus is vulnerable, we like so many others work hard to make our campus safe. This is a huge concern to us, and we take it very seriously. This incident is a reminder to us to review more carefully our campus security and emergency procedures.

I am told there will be a prayer vigil tonight at 11:30 p.m. to midnight in Martin Square. I am sure someone will put out notice of anything else that might be happening.

So, lift up this campus in prayer throughout the day. May God show his presence and comfort to the Virginia Tech campus.