I got word from Nancy Hamilton, who serves at FBC, Kingston, TN, that one of their core student leaders, James Sams, was killed in a car accident. She has requested that we, as her fellow leaders, pray for his family. He has a sister, Jasmine, who is in the 10th grade, and a brother, Darion, who is a freshman. His mom and dad are not believers.
Something like this is a reminder to me that students--even Christian guys and girls--are not immune to tragedy. They need our help to help navigate those stormy waters and to figure out where God is in the midst of it. For most of them, it is in the teen years that they come face-to-face with death and grief for the first time. The death of a parent or grandparent. The death of a dream. The suicide of a friend. It's not about us having all the answers to tell them. It's really not about us saying anything at all. It's about listening. And caring. And walking with them through it.
For discussion, here's a question: How have you walked with teen guys and teen girls through tragedy? What has helped? What did you learn? What resources would you recommend?
FYI: James mother died about 2 years ago. His father is a believer and is a faithful member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church
Thank you Shanda for clarfying this. We were told tonight that his father was not a believer. Praise the Lord that he is! I do know that a great number of Cedar Grove folks showed up at the hospital tonight. Oh how we can be the hands and feet of Christ as we walk thru this tragedy.
James was a very active participant in the Youth and Men organizations at Cowan Chapel United Methodist Church, Kingston. His most recent activity was this past Sunday on Men's Day with singing in the Male Chorus & participating in all activities related to that day.
He will be greatly missed.