Covenant News

Colorado Church Reaches Out to Shooting Victims

LITTLETON, CO (April 20, 1999) - A "high-stress" situation is how Rev. Stephen J. Thulson described the atmosphere in this quiet Denver suburb following the shooting rampage Tuesday at Columbine High School that left 15 dead, including two students believed to have perpetrated the crime and one teacher. Another 16 individuals were reported injured.

"The kids are upset – rattled by this whole thing," said Thulson, senior pastor of Centennial Covenant Church. Ryan Ashley, youth pastor at Centennial, was among scores of pastors and counselors working with students and parents gathered at an elementary school building not too far from the high school building where the shootings took place. "We're seeking to minister to students and parents," Thulson told Covenant News Service Tuesday afternoon. "We have several students who go to that school," he explained, noting that none was injured.

"One of our students has two friends (one is her best friend) who have died, and another is badly injured," Thulson said. "Most of our church students go to other high schools, yet they are all shaken," he added. There are six high schools in Littleton and four in neighboring communities. Columbine High School is located about five miles from the church.

Another member of the Centennial congregation, a trauma surgeon, was part of the medical team treating the students. "We need prayer for him," Thulson said, noting the importance of having a Christian influence in such a traumatic and tragic situation.

One local Christian counseling center is providing free counseling to parents and students, the pastor said. President Clinton later in the day said the federal government also has dispatched teams of counselors. Thulson urged Christians everywhere to pray for the students, parents, teachers, public officials, pastors, medical personnel and others who are struggling to work through the troubling issues surrounding this tragedy.

"We want to thank friends from all over the nation for their prayers for our community," the pastor said. "The evil one has shown his face, but this is also Christ's opportunity."

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