It’s a sad day, indeed. Andrew Dezio, a local 15 year old, had a disagreement with a family member on December 23rd and stormed out of the house. January 8th his body was found not far from his home. The medical examiner says Andrew committed suicide and thankfully has given no details to the public. We don’t need everything. What’s important is the fact that a child chose to end his own life. We need to be shaken from our complacency and see that there are people around us who are hurting. Some may even be hurting enough to want to die. (There may even be someone in your church like that.) Some may be so afraid of what life has in store for them that death seems like a better alternative. Some may be so angry that they choose to hurt others by hurting themselves. We, as Christians, know that death is not the end. We also know who it is that can deliver us from the pain and fear that the world (an its inhabitants) throw at us. Let us learn to see the hurting people around us and with God’s help and strength let us reach out to them with the Good News of Jesus Christ. I pray God teaches us how to love those who are hurting.

Join me in prayer for the family. May God reveal Himself the them as they grieve and show them the wonderful depth of His compassion. Nothing can replace the loss this family has, but God can give a peace that we can’t explain. I especially lift up the one with whom Andrew had the disagreement. Let that one know that it’s not their fault that Andrew is gone. Let the friends and family support one another with deep compassion. Cause the Holy Spirit to move in each of their lives in new ways and may God draw them closer to Himself. I pray for angels and workers who will comfort those who knew him as they come to grips with the reality that he is gone. May God have mercy on each of us.

We all must daily lift up our young people in prayer. Life is difficult. The devil is working to steal, kill, and destroy. The world encourages our youth to forget about their maker and to live for the moment. Our schools work hard to teach our children that there is no God — only the god of self. Don’t ever let up! Protect our young. Teach those in your care that God is real, that He does care, that He does have a wonderful plan for their lives. And back it all up with love, the love that includes actions - not just words. Be an example. Be a friend. Be the ambassador for God that you are called to be. And may God work in us to be a difference in this world.