Dear Virginia Baptist Brothers and Sisters,

As you are all too aware, a terrible tragedy occurred recently on the typically peaceful campus of Virginia Tech.  Our thoughts and prayers have poured forth on behalf of the victims, primary and secondary, their families and friends.

Since the incident occurred, Darrell Cook and the staff of Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) at Virginia Tech have been actively giving care to the university community. Later that day, and through the following days, the ministries of BCM were joined by Virginia Baptists’ Disaster Relief Ministries, namely those of Crisis Care Chaplains and Temporary Child Care.

Supported by ministries of care such as the BCM, the university has developed a solid network of support for students, faculty and staff.  But soon, the academic year will be complete and students will leave campus for their homes.  At that time, they will need other sources of support.  Please allow me to encourage you, their home church ministers and families, to prepare yourselves to offer this support.

I want to offer you two resources that might assist you to provide support and care.  First, I offer you two articles available on the website of the American Psychological Association.  Certainly, our churches are well qualified to offer care from biblical and theological perspectives. But a resource offering insights from the emotional/psychological perspective may help you to better understand and approach the need.  If so, visit www.apa.org and consider these articles:

• “Tips for College and University Students—Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of the Virginia Tech Shootings” and
• “Stress Management Tips for Parents to College Students in the Aftermath of the Virginia Tech Shootings”

If you find these to be helpful, you might consider passing them along to the students and families in your church.

The second resource I offer is the services of Virginia Baptists’ network of Crisis Care Chaplains.  These men and women are well trained to offer care to individuals, small groups and entire congregations who have experienced trauma.  If you wish to locate a Crisis Care Chaplain near you, please send an emailed message to me at john.tadlock@vbmb.org or call me at 800.ALL.BGAV (255.2428) Ext. 5215.

May the Lord continue to bless you as you offer ministry in his name.

Sincerely,
John W. Tadlock
Church, Minister, & Family Wellness Facilitator
Virginia Baptist Mission Board, Richmond, Virginia