I don’t normally post about current news. Not that that is bad, its just not my thing. That said, I was so moved when I read the recent statement made by Jon Meis. Jon is the “hero” in the Seattle Pacific University shootings. You probably have heard: while the gunman was reloading his weapon, Jon stepped in by pepper spraying the gunman and detaining the shooter. If he had not done so, there would have likely been more tragedy. Jon does volunteer security for the school. So get this…… Jon the volunteer stepped in to a life threatening situation. This is a small private college. So, his security duties in the past probably include making sure the doors are locked and handing out student demerits for minor offenses. But, on this day…. he was a hero.
Read the below and as you do, consider the Savior, Jesus Christ! Christ was a volunteer! (Philippians 2) He stepped in! He did not HAVE to die for us. But, when He did – He died to save guilty sinners. Thank you Jon for your courage which saved lives this side of eternity. And – Thank you Jesus for your death on the cross which saves lives for eternity. So much more could be said….. but for now……
News
Posted: 9:12 a.m. Monday, June 9, 2014
SPU shooting hero Jon Meis releases statement
The following is a statement from Jon Meis, the Seattle Pacific University student involved in the campus shooting on June 5. Jon is requesting privacy and has declined interviews.
To my brothers and sisters at Seattle Pacific University, and my brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the nation and the world,
Words cannot come close to expressing the tragedy that occurred this past week on our campus. Like everyone else, I would hear of these horrible events on the news, but go home knowing that it could never happen to us. On Thursday, my life changed. I was thrown into a life and death situation, and through God’s grace I was able to stop the attacker and walk away unharmed. As I try to return to a normal life in the aftermath of this horrible event, I pray above all things for strength for the victims and their families. While my experience left me in physical shock, I know that many people are dealing with much greater grief than I have experienced, and in honesty I probably would not be able to handle myself right now if I had personally known the victims.
I know that I am being hailed as a hero, and as many people have suggested I find this hard to accept. I am indeed a quiet and private individual; while I have imagined what it would be like to save a life I never believed I would be put in such a situation. It touches me truly and deeply to read online that parents are telling their children about me and telling them that real heroes do exist.
However, what I find most difficult about this situation is the devastating reality that a hero cannot come without tragedy. In the midst of this attention, we cannot ignore that a life was taken from us, ruthlessly and without justification or cause. Others were badly injured, and many more will carry this event with them the rest of their lives. Nonetheless, I would encourage that hate be met with love. When I came face to face with the attacker, God gave me the eyes to see that he was not a faceless monster, but a very sad and troubled young man. While I cannot at this time find it within me to forgive his crime, I truly desire that he will find the grace of God and the forgiveness of our community.
I would like to truly thank the responders who secured the building and the medical staff who looked after myself and those who were injured. After being in this situation myself, it is even harder to imagine what it would be like to have a job where one’s life is willingly put on the line every day. To our police, emergency responders, and armed forces, you have my greatest respect.
I am overwhelmed with the incredible generosity that has been showered upon me. It has been deeply touching to read the comments online and realize that my actions have had such a strikingly widespread effect. Moving forward, I am strongly requesting that any future donations be given to the victims through Seattle Pacific University.
I am grateful for the prayers and support coming from our home city and afar. In these next few days, weeks, and months, please continue to pray for everyone in the Seattle Pacific community. We serve a truly awesome God and I firmly believe that it is through Him alone that we will find the strength to heal from this tragedy.
Jon Meis
Student, Seattle Pacific University
Thanks for sharing this story. It is unlikely I would otherwise seen it, as news media will rarely show a Christian story. Thanks for the tie you wrote connecting it to what Christ has done for us.