We still love you Alray!

No doubt most of you are very aware of all that has been happening on our campus the past few weeks. Student Body President Nelson Alray had apparently received threats and hate messages and in response the students of FLC responded with support (read the original story here). This was the right response; none of us should ever tolerate hate. During the whole ordeal I heard from 2 professors and other students that the rumor on campus was that the Christians were spreading these hateful messages. I also received multiple hateful messages during this time but have no idea if they were a response to these rumors (I talked a little about this back on Oct.31st). Regardless, hate is always wrong. That is why we marched together with the students of FLC to share the message that God is love and hates hate.

Most of you received the e-mail from the college or read in the paper today that the hate messages President Alray reported were false (you can see the story here). On the one hand I am glad these messages weren't authentic because I don't think anyone should ever receive those types of threats. On the other hand I am saddened that this whole issue was a lie and that the rumor that Christians were responsible for it started spreading around campus. Jesus told you to expect this in Mt.5:11-12, saying, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." As long as we keep our eyes on Him and continue following Him, obeying Him and loving Him and everyone around us (Mk.12:30-31) the truth will always win out. Ps.37:4-6 says, "Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD ; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."

I am definitely glad that people won't incorrectly think Christians are spreading hate. I am also so proud of all of you Christian students! Jesus tells us in Mt.5:39, "If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." That is truly the attitude I saw in each of you. You were quick to forgive, quick to love and quick to point others to Jesus. You guys are AWESOME!!!

That all being said, I want to ask you to reach out to our former student body president with love today! Please e-mail, call or facebook Mr. Alray and tell him that we and Jesus still love him. If you are mad about being lied to I want to remind you to love and forgive. Please reach out to your gay and lesbian friends and reaffirm your and Jesus' love for them. If you haven't checked it out yet, please read this post on how to share your faith with gay and lesbian friends.

If you're reading this president Alray, I want you to know that Jesus and each of the students involved in Connect love you and forgive you and we are still here for you. I hope you'll have some time to debrief over break and hope and trust you'll be able to visit us again after break. Please check out a short message straight from Jesus' mouth by clicking here. We are praying for you, we love you and so does Jesus.

Finally, whoever you are and wherever you are remember you're not alone; remember, pray for and support the persecuted church worldwide and boldly stand for Jesus today and point to Him no matter what situation you find yourself in. He will always be your strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, salvation and stronghold! Ps.18:1-3