Memorial for
        Wedgewood Baptist
        in Fort Worth, Texas!

        You may use this Angel of Touch to link to this Memorial site.

        Kristi Beckel, 14

        Shawn C. Brown, 23

        Sydney Browning, 36

        Joseph Ennis, 14

        Cassandra Griffin, 14

        Kim Jones, 23

        Justin Michael Ray, 17

        Students praying at "Meet You At the Flag Pole" on the morning of Sept 15, 1999.

        "We are saddened by the loss of our friends, but we are not grieving as those without hope for our hope lies fully in that of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!"

        If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, therefore the world hates you.  John 15:19

        Cease striving and know that I am God;  I will be exalted in the earth.  Psalm 46:10

        For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.  Romans 8:38

        "TEENS FOR JESUS MAGAZINE"


        Teens across America and parents wish to express their sorrow in another tragic event in our American History. We are reaching out to touch the lifes that have been devastated. Our Prayers and Sympathy are with you.

        The Following was forwarded by request of a member of Wedgwood Church

        *********************************************

        What God is doing at our church

        By now almost everyone has heard of the tragedy that took place on Sept.15, when a gunman entered Wedgwood Baptist Church and killed 7 people and injured 7 others before taking his own life. That morning had been the day of "See You at the Pole," when students gather around their flagpole in the morning to pray for their school and nation. What the media hasn't reported, however, is how God has been so evident, both during and after the shooting. He has done amazing works!

        Before The Shooting:

        ***Our pastor, Brother Al, had prayed that God would do whatever it took to expand the ministry of Wedgwood Baptist Church. Our church is one that is used as a model of how NOT to pick a location, because no one in the world can find it. Now almost everyone in the world knows exactly where it is. Evidence of God's Control During The Shooting:

        ***To enter the church, the gunman walked past our children's playground, which should have been full of kids, but for some reason every single children's and preschool class was running late. No one had made it to the playground yet.

        ***He fired over 100 bullets into a crowd of over 400, but only 14 people were hit.

        ***He did not shoot the over 60 bullets he still had with him.

        ***The bottom fell off of the pipe bomb he threw, and the bomb landed without ever exploding.

        ***One of the youth that was wounded (she was shielding a disabled friend with her body) has scoliosis. The curve in her spine directed the bullet away from major organs, saving her from serious injury.

        ***Because the first 911 call came in on a police radio, emergency vehicles were dispatched immediately, without spending precious time to verify that call was real.

        ***One of the people in the church at the time was a paramedic, and he was able to stop bleeding and stabilize injured people before the emergency crews arrived.

        ***Leaders were able to get the children out of the building without the kids having to see any victims or any of the mess.

        ***Each children's worker stayed with his/her class even though they all had children elsewhere in the building, and some had teens in the sanctuary. Not one worker left his or her post.

        ***None of the adults who died have children.

        ***All 7 victims were not just Christians, but bold Christians who were passionate about their faith.

        "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is not being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20)

        What God has done since the shooting:

        ***Many denominations have pulled together to offer help and support. One example is the United Methodist Church who sent 15 people the following Sunday to cover our childcare. They didn't want any church members to have to miss the service because they were taking care of the children.

        ***A church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, drove over 5 hours just so they could march around our church and pray during our Sunday morning services.

        ***The Fort Worth Police Dept. planted flowers in the flower beds before we reentered the sanctuary to worship.

        ***We have received over 10,000 emails, 5000 cards, and $60,000 from all over the world Al Meredith, our pastor has had the microphone in his face continually and has over and over given an outstanding answer to the reason for our hope. He presented the gospel beautifully on Larry King Live when prompted by a question asked by Vice President Al Gore.

        ***Because of the live news coverage and interviews, over 200 million people have heard the gospel because of this tragedy.

        ***Fifteen thousand turned out for a community wide service at TCU football stadium. Brother Al gave a very serious challenging message calling for a day of fasting and heart searching (Monday the 20th). The service was broadcast live in its entirety on WBAP 820 which is a news station that covers most of north Texas. This same news station has replayed our pastor's first press conference due to people calling in and requesting to hear his comforting words again.

        ***CNN also broadcast the memorial service live. Amazingly, because one of the victim's families lives and works in Saudi Arabia, that country allowed the service to be broadcast there as well. In Saudi Arabia it is illegal to say the name of Jesus on the street.

        ***Because of that same CNN broadcast, 35 people in Japan gave their lives to Christ.

        ***When President Clinton finally got through to him, Brother Al ended their conversation by praying, after gaining permission, for the Clinton family.

        ***At several schools, students met around their flagpoles the next day. At one school 25 students accepted Christ, and 110 at another.

        ***A teacher led 22 students to Christ in her classroom.

        ***Christian teachers all over North Texas have been able to share with their classes because the students are asking questions about their teachers' faith.

        ***In Burleson, prayers and Scripture are being said over the intercom.

        ***On the east coast, where "See You at the Pole" was delayed because of the hurricane, record numbers of kids showed up to pray.

        ***Governor Bush and the Fort Worth mayor quietly came to our pastor's home while the staff were meeting and praying and joined in the prayer meeting. This was not political! Only those who are close to staff members heard about this; the media never knew.

        ***Governor Bush has visited with our pastor several times, and Brother Al has had an impact on him. Just think of the influence our pastor could have if Governor Bush is the next president!

        ***A caller to an area Christian radio station said that he didn't know what those people had but he wanted it. The DJ proceeded to lead him to Christ. Many notes left in front of the church contain the same sentiment. Those who don't know Jesus want what we have!

        ***The church has received so many emails asking us how we are able to have hope and continue on. There are teams of church member volunteers responding to these emails.

        ***My friend Jodi has been praying for her husband for years. She and their 4-yr.-old daughter were at the church that night. 3 days ago Scott gave his life to Christ.

        ***We have had over 70,000 hits on our web page which displays the plan of salvation in multiple languages.

        ***Many members at Wedgwood Baptist are healing broken relationships within the body and experiencing spiritual renewal.

        These are just a few of the miracles that are happening. God's grace is almost overwhelming. Every time the gunman fired a bullet, he intended to take a life. Yet God turned that around and saved several lives for each bullet fired. The faith of those who died has been multiplied many times over.

        "I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.." Romans 1:8

        Are you not amazed? May I point out a few things we should glean from this?

        1. While reading, I was fascinated and amazed that we have found out about some of these stories...salvation decisions made in Japan...a DJ leading someone to Christ...etc. This is not coincidence. Note that God is PRESERVING the testimonies, not by accident, but by Divine intention.

        2. The plan of God is magnified and so evident through these stories: Do you see how it is His heart's desire to extend the boundaries of His kingdom? That "He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance"? (2 Peter 3:9) His plan is to save...His purpose for saving-to receive glory.

        3. Realize that while He is accomplishing His plan to save and His purpose to be glorified, we as Christians are being comforted and strengthened. How great the realm of His ability to work! What perfect timing He has on every front.

        4. Have you noticed that YOU are excited to hear the great things the Lord is doing? That your heart has been stirred and that you are desirous of spreading His glory? Rejoice, for that is the evidence of the Holy Spirit in your life. "For it is GOD who works in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure" (Phil. 1:6). His good pleasure is to spread His glory.

        5. Last, when was the last time you asked the Lord what His plan and purpose was for your life? Do you want to know? If so, look! He is showing us RIGHT NOW what it is. We are to mirror His purpose and plan, and join Him. Spread His glory, by your own life of worship, which once submitted as a "living sacrifice"-will draw people to Him.

        ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

        Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

        Author.....Unknown

        ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

        We are left wondering why and how someone can have so much hatred in their hearts that they are able to kill innocent people. Satan continues to seek control of our children's lives. Christians can join together, in prayer, on our knees, for the lives lost on September 16th 1999, and for those left behind to grieve. We must also pray for a newfound commitment in all communities, to fight the enemy, rebuke him, and claim victory in Jesus over each and every life. I do believe in the power of prayer! Let us not turn our backs on this tragedy, saying there is nothing one person can do to change things. Maybe one person can't change things, but if we ban together in the name of Jesus a mighty Revival will take place across this nation.

        Notes from the Valley - Sept 24, '99

        "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me."
        Psalm 23.

        WHY DID GOD LET THIS HAPPEN?

        Bad things happen to good people. From where we sit, it's not fair, it's not right, but it happens all the time. And we want to know why. With the latest shooting at Wedgewood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, I know many people are turning their eyes towards heaven and asking, "Why did you let this happen God?" I know I've asked Him that question many times in my life - often in anger. But, because of His infinite grace and love, God has ignored the anger and ministered to my pain. I'd like to share with you some of what He taught me. But, before I start, please keep the following in mind as you read. If the beliefs I express here differ from your own personal beliefs, please don't let that create a separation between us. Seek the Bible and God's Holy Spirit to find and hold fast to that which is true. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-21)

        Sometimes people get hurt simply because they're the victims of another person's poor choices. Other times, they're the victim of their own poor choices. In either case, when those choices involve sin, there are consequences for everyone touched by that sin (victim and victimizer). Someone, overcome by the hurts of this world, chooses to inflict his pain on others and innocent, good people die. Not spiritual death, which is the wage of sin. Jesus clearly paid the price for that. But physical consequences for each sin committed in this physical world. Now, I know many people see God as the one dishing out those consequences. To them, He is a very stern and cold-hearted judge who watches every move we make and the minute we do something out of line, He's jumps on us with both feet. Maybe that's the way the shooter in Texas felt. Maybe he blamed God for all that was wrong in his life. He couldn't get to God, so He took his anger out on some of God's children. And because of what he did, maybe you're angry and blaming God now too. I don't want to get in a fuss with you about your beliefs. I just know that's not the way God revealed Himself to me.

        God is most certainly the final judge of us all. He is most certainly omnipresent, so He sees everything we do. He judges us fairly according to the law and our choices. But He's not the one doing the jumping. The devil is. He's the prosecutor and the punisher. If we are foolish enough to bow before sin, as Adam and Eve did, the devil demands his due and God must release His covering over us while the devil inflicts on us the consequences of our choices. Sickness and suffering entered into this world when those in authority sinned and let the devil in. Sickness and suffering came in with him. The same sickness and suffering that probably drove a man to aim a gun at innocent worshippers and himself and pull the trigger. The same sickness and suffering the devil will use to drive you away from God now if you'll let him. Sickness and suffering were never God's will. God's will was obedient and abundant life in the Garden of Eden. Likewise, in the Book of Job, it's not God who inflicts the suffering on Job, but the devil, once he had the Judge's verdict that he legally could do it (under spiritual law). But just like in Genesis and Job, God the just Judge is also God the loving Father. Even while we suffer at the devil's hands for our sins or the consequences of another's sin, God is moving on our behalf, working within the law and within our hearts to teach us and recover us back under His protective and loving care.

        I've suffered the loss of some loved ones in my life. I made the wrong choice in response to those losses. I lost my Dad in an accident with a drunk driver when I was twenty. My Mom died the next year from a broken heart. I know what my anger at God did to me then. I screamed "Why?" and then turned my back on Him for 18 years. Rage became my constant companion. I can't begin to tell you the level of suffering I inflicted on myself and others, all the while blaming God for the condition of my life. Life lost it's value and meaning. It would have been a short step for me to become like that lost and angry soul with a gun in Fort Worth. That's the power of anger and unforgiveness if we're foolish enough to chose them over the outstreached arms of our Father, God. He offers us so much more.

        Since I came back into my Father's arms, He's literally turned my life around. It is so richly filled with blessings. It's also been filled with "broccoli." "Broccoli" is my name for those lessons God teaches me when I've tried to do things my own way and everything goes wrong. So wrong, that He finally has my undivided attention. Lessons that are hard to chew, harder to swallow, not very tasty, but admittedly "good for me." Those "baby trees" my Mom made me eat as a kid were never a favorite. But, because I can be so strong willed, there have been many times when "broccoli" was exactly the "diet" I needed to get my focus off of me and back onto the one who loves me. Loves me enough to discipline me even as He provides for my needs. Key among the many lessons He's taught me is the necessity to serve Him by serving others. Kneeling to serve like Christ instead of bowing to sin like Adam and Eve. Chosing to heal instead of hurt.

        God recently reinforced that critical lesson for Cathy and me with a very special blessing. Our church held a Saturday Leadership Summit a couple of weeks ago. A joyous experience with fun filled activities shared in the fellowship of some truly wonderful people, both from the pastoral staff and from the serving members of the congregation. But the moment that will forever remain etched deeply in our hearts came when we were asked to follow the example of Jesus in the Gospel of John, Chapter 13, having our feet washed by members of the Pastoral Staff and then washing one another's feet. What a humbling and heart changing experience. I have read those passages over and over again for years without fully comprehending the meaning of what Jesus did or how it must have affected His disciples. But that Saturday we experienced both first hand. Tears flowed freely from every eye and love flowed like a fountain from the depth of every heart. Walls of pride crumbled as we saw in each other a vision of our Lord Jesus, the Christ, on His knees before His disciples. We experienced the full measure of His love for His disciples and for us as expressed in that simple act of service. We experienced the fulfillment of that love in us as we went to our knees in the same act of service to one another. We experienced the heart of Christ. My heart aches for the victims of Wedgewood Baptist Church. I know just a small measure of what they must be feeling. I ask that all of us be in fervent prayer for them; for the choices they will make as they struggle with the pain and suffering the devil has inflicted upon them through one lost and tortured soul. They are seeking the answer to the question, "Why?" The devil will offer them the bitter fruit of anger and unforgiveness. The Father will offer them "broccoli" sprinkled with the sweet healing power of His love and grace. Reach out to them in prayer and, if you can, with letters of encouragement. Their mailing address is: Wedgwood Baptist Church, 5522 Whitman Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76133.

        I remain His servant and your Brother, a work in progress, sheltered under His wing, and overwhelmed by His love.

        Steve Hall

        GOD'S ANSWERS (Contributed by Linda Layton) Editor's Note: I've shared this before, but it needs repeating now. You say: "It's impossible" God says: "All things are possible" (Luke 18:27) You say: "I'm too tired" God says: "I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28-30) You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: "I love you" (John 3:16 & John 13:34) You say: "I can't go on" God says: "My grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15) You say: "I can't figure things out" God says: "I will direct your steps" (Proverbs 3:5-6) You say: "I can't do it" God says: "You can do all things" (Philippians 4:13) You say: "I'm not able" God says: "I am able" (2 Corinthians 9:8) You say: "It's not worth it" God says: "It will be worth it" (Romans 8:28) You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says: "I FORGIVE YOU" (1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1) You say: "I can't manage" God says: "I will supply all your needs" (Philippians 4:19) You say: "I'm afraid" God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear" (2 Timothy 1:7) You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" God says: "Cast all your cares on ME" (I Peter 5:7) You say: "I don't have enough faith" God says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3) You say: "I'm not smart enough" God says: "I give you wisdom" (1 Corinthians 1:30) You say: "I feel all alone" God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5) CRACKED POTS (Contributed by Chaplain 777 - Author Unknown) A water bearer in India had two large pots. They hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of it's accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of it's own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself and I want to apologize to you." "Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?" "I have been able for these past two years to deliever only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all this work and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said. The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path." Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half it's load and so again it apologized to the bearer for it's failure. The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house." Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father's table. In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste. So as we seek ways to minister together, and as God calls you to the tasks He has appointed for you, don't be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them and allow Him to take advantage of them, and you too can be the cause of beauty in His pathway. Go out boldly, knowing that in your weakness we find His strength. Editor's Note: As I was reading this for the first time, the Lord brought the following scripture to mind and it blessed me so that I had to share it with you. "Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel." Jeremiah 18:3-6 A MESSAGE FROM THE VICTIMS (Provided by C. J. Jones, Inspiring Words List) Wedgwood Baptist Church WebSite at 10:00 am, September 16: "They came last night to praise and to worship you, God. What joy! They are now praising and worshipping you in your presence! But, God, we're going to miss them: Kristi Beckel Shawn Brown Sydney Browning Joseph Ennis Cassie Griffin Kim Jones Justin Ray And, God, you are dealing with the gunman with your own vengeance. We don't have to. Father, give us peace, even when we don't understand." "Our hearts are broken. You need to know these people were Sunday school teachers and one of the favored soloists in the church, the children's choir director, kids, youth members, some active, some just getting active, some just beginning to find God. Our hearts' desire is that God's people not be overwhelmed with grief." Pastor Al Meredith, Head Pastor, Wedgwood Baptist Church THE WILL OF GOD (Received from Linda Layton - Author Unknown) The will of God will never take you, Where the Grace of God cannot keep you, Where the Arms of God cannot support you, Where the Riches of God cannot supply your needs, Where the Power of God cannot endow you. The will of God will never take you, Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you, Where the Wisdom of God cannot teach you, Where the Army of God cannot protect you, Where the Hands of God cannot mold you. The Will of God will never take you, Where the Love of God cannot enfold you, Where the Mercies of God cannot sustain you, Where the Peace of God cannot calm your fears, Where the Authority of God cannot overrule for you. The will of God will never take you, Where the Comfort of God cannot dry your tears, Where the Word of God cannot feed you, Where the Miracles of God cannot be done for you, Where the Omnipresence of God cannot find you. __________________________________________ Notes from the Valley and Humor from the Valley are never intended to offend anyone. They're meant only to brighten your day and encourage you along the way. Should you decide you don't want them or if you received them in error, please let me know and I will remove you from the distribution list immediately, without question. Most of "notes" and "humor" are a collection of items provided to me by other subscribers and friends. Credit is given where the true author is known. If you are blessed by them, please feel free to make copies and pass them along to others. Please take a moment to leave a message for the families of Wedgewood Baptist so they know you are thinking about them?

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