08/28/2025
Tonight, our hearts are broken by the devastating news of a school shooting in Minneapolis. We grieve the loss of precious young lives and mourn with families, friends, and all whose world has been shattered by this unfathomable violence.
At The Gathering Place, rooted in Assemblies of God doctrine, we hold fast to sacred truths: Scripture affirms that all human life is created in Godâs image and is infinitely precious (Genesis 1:27; 2 Timothy 3:15â17). We believe deeplyââOur Children Are Sacredâ, a truth God placed on our hearts in 2020, calling us to protect, cherish, and advocate for their safety and flourishing.
We affirm:
Every child is a gift from God, entrusted to us with love, care, and grace.
Violence has no place where innocence dwellsâour schools should be havens of learning, laughter, and life.
Our primary hope lies not only in policy or reform, but in hearts transformed by the Gospel. Yet such hope compels us to action, stepping forward to minister, pray boldly, and pursue peace.
As Scripture teaches us, âBlessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of Godâ (Matthew 5:9). Let us earnestly seek His peace in our schools, our homes, our neighborhoods.
What we can do:
1. Pray without ceasingâfor comfort for the grieving, healing for the wounded, and protection for every child.
2. Offer loving, Gospel-centered supportâfor parents, educators, first respondersâthe hurting among us who need tangible reminders that God sees, and His love endures.
3. Be voices for changeâstanding for policies and practices that honor and safeguard the sacredness of children.
4. Live out our callingâto be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing hope, healing, and security into places marred by fear.
In this hour of sorrow, we cry out to our Heavenly Father: âBe near to the brokenhearted and save the crushed in spiritâ (Psalm 34:18). We trust in your unfailing love and pray, âOur Children Are Sacredâ continues not only as a phrase, but a daily commitment.
To the families, students, teachers, and staff affected: you are not alone. We stand with you in love and prayer, and we believe that even in the darkest moments, the light of Christ pierces through. May His peace guard your hearts (Philippians 4:7).
â The Gathering Place