Prayer request - internationals killed at LSU

[rickwright01]

The breaking news is that two international students (PhDs, from India judging by their names) were found dead in their apartment last night at Edward Gay apartments on the LSU campus. There are indications this is homicide after forced entry. About 1/3 of the internationals I work with live at Edward Gay. And working with internationals is what my ministry is all about.

Needless to say I have not faced something like this and am trying to figure out how best to respond. My plan is to call/visit internationals who live in that apartment complex. (Although I am a little nervous about walking around knocking on doors after something like this.) And we have a huge Christmas Party for internationals tonight as well - I will be stopping the church bus at Edward Gay (between the two buildings) as part of the usual route.

Edward Gay apartments are right next to Roosevelt Street which is mildly dangerous. (Although not as bad as some parts of Baton Rouge.) It is separated by a wall with a gate. Since I have been here LSU has kept that gate closed and locked - except during football games (?!?!?!). My understanding is that move radically reduced crimes at that apartment complex.

I can imagine that many families/students/scholars living there are terrified. Many have small children. I know how they have responded to other crimes on or near campus.

Main prayer requests:

1) Comfort and mercy for the families of the students killed. Getting their PhD is why so many come here.
2) Comfort and protection for everyone on campus - especially living at that apartment complex.
3) That they will find the ones who did this. And for them.
4) For people like me who surely must walk in and represent (or be) the presence of Christ but hardly know quite what to do.

[Ed Pettibone]

Ed: Rick we are praying for you and all involved with those living in those apartments, the families of the victims and the perpetrators.

I have worked in similar neighborhoods in Indianapolis and in my home town of Fort Wayne Indiana and one thing that still amazes me is the fact that some really decent folk where always around and they often covered my back. You mentioned knocking on doors. That I would not do unless you are real sure that some one at the given address knows who you are. One time I was involved in a follow up program for the Labor department to determine what had happened to people who had been laid off from a large meat packing plant. I was knocking on doors in a rooming house and a large woman with a filthy mouth was very reluctant to open the door and when she did she was standing their with a 38.

The worst thing I ever had happen was that on Christmas eve in 1964 I was delivering gifts that had been donated to the Welfare department for which I worked. After I had made several stops and had only two more deliveries to make some one broke into my car and stole the half dozen gifts that where in it.

[jerryl]

Oh, my...

How tragic on all sides. For the familes of these students who have traveled so far and who, I'm sure, contained so bright a promise. For the other students so far away from home and in a place strange and sometimes confusing to them.

The fear and dread of the other's living in those apartments must be running thick.

Praying...

[rickwright01]

Oh, my...

How tragic on all sides. For the familes of these students who have traveled so far and who, I'm sure, contained so bright a promise. For the other students so far away from home and in a places strange and sometimes confusing to them.

The fear and dread of the other's living in those apartments must be running thick.

Praying...

Thank you jerryl and Ed and others.

I agree with Ed and will not be going over to visit (even though I was going to visit only those people we already know) given the circumstances. (Who's that knocking on my door?!? after a home invasion turned homicide.) Am calling as many as I can. I also got quite a lot of advice from ACMI listserve (Association of Christians Ministering with Internationals) including some from those who have been in similar situations.

[Haruo]

Terrible thing. Praying in Seattle.

Haruo

[David Flick]

What a tragedy... Rick, I'm praying for you. I have no advice. I wouldn't even know where to begin were I in your situation.

[Jonathan]

We are also praying for you Rick. I am confident in both your head and heart.

[Howard V]

Rick:

This is sad news indeed. You, the relatives of the slain, the other Internationals there, and the LSU family are all in our prayers.

Howard, LSU grad '66

[Neil Heath]

As one who has spent a bit of time on college campuses, I know the uniqueness of your situation, and I commend you for the work you are doing, Rick. It is so important that we minister to the internationals in our midst, for many reasons! This type of event can set back your efforts or it can open unexpected doors of ministry for you. It will probably do both.

I pray the Holy Spirit will go before you, will guide your steps, and will cover your back, as you find your place of ministry in this crisis. I know God can and will bring good out of it, and I trust that He will use you in that process.

NH