From the platform of the prayer vigil in Aurora, Colorado, on national television, Wesleyan pastor Reid Hettich intoned these words: “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart… we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4). The city and state, heart-broken by the tragic shooting last week, were brought together and received the offer of grace and hope from a loving God.
U.S. senators, representatives and other notables were present on the platform with Rev. Hettich, but pastors took the lead Sunday night in front of a crowd of over 10,000 people, plus a national television audience. A long-time pastor there, Reid is the head of the Aurora ministerial association and has recently accepted the challenge to lead a Wesleyan church-planting movement in the city, using the name “Mosaic.”
Rev. Hettich writes, “It’s hard to believe something like this could happen in our neighborhood. The roller coaster of emotion is disorienting. The stories about the shooter are so dark and disturbing and the stories about the victims are heart wrenching. But the heroic stories about the police and common citizens are inspiring.”
He continues, “The past few days have been filled with unprecedented opportunity for ministry. What an honor it is to represent the God of hope in a time like this.”