Tragedy Strikes the Amish World - Great example of forgiveness

Dating from October 2nd, 2006

"Tragedy struck the Amish community when an armed gunman shot 10 young girls in a local Amish school, then committed suicide."

"[...]The Amish were obviously shocked by this incident and they collectively grieved for the children and their families. But that shock extended far beyond just the Amish. This tragedy rocked all of Lancaster County. The day after the shooting, 1600 gathered for a prayer service at one local church, while hundreds more met at another church for prayer. All Lancaster County shared in the horror and grief of this tragedy. As one Amishman said, -Today, we're all Amish.-[...]."


"[...]The afternoon of the shooting an Amish grandfather of one of the girls who was killed expressed forgiveness toward the killer. That same day Amish neighbors visited the Roberts family to comfort them in their sorrow and pain. The Roberts family (family of the murderer) was invited to one of the Amish funerals. And Amish mourners outnumbered the non-Amish at Charles Roberts' funeral.[...]"

"In a world at war and in a society that often points fingers and blames others, this reaction was unheard of. The Amish culture closely follows the teachings of Jesus, who taught his followers to forgive one another, to place the needs of others before themselves, and to rest in the knowledge that God is still in control and can bring good out of any situation. Love and compassion toward others is to be life's theme. Vengeance and revenge is to be left to God."

More information HERE

Posted by Paulo Fernando