Remembering our loss
Chans Garling
Brandon Hughes
James Zemenek
Saturday, May 17, 2008, 6:45 AM
South Central High School Bible Study
Every Tuesday morning at 7:15 AM in Mrs. Hagenow’s room. Everyone is invited!
Click here to listen to “Carest Thou Not?” sermon by Evangelist Rick Moore.
Dear students and teachers of South Central,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. It is my desire to be a help and encouragement to you during this time of grief. This page has been designed specifically for you as a means to help you at this time. Below you will find helpful thoughts in dealing with grief, Scripture verses that will encourage you, and a section that deals with life after death. I am truly sorry that you are going through this and I know you are feeling great pain and loss. Please email me if I can help you in any way or if you just need to talk. I am praying for you.
Rick Moore
Students of South Central,
It has been a privilege to speak to a number of you. As I have encouraged many of you today, let me make a few suggestions in your grief in the loss of Brandon, Chans, and James. First of all, express your feelings to a friend, teacher, counselor, or pastor. Talk to somebody! Secondly, reach out to someone else that is hurting. In helping someone else, you will find that it helps you to begin the healing process. Third, use this experience in your life to become a better student rather than a bitter student. In so doing, you’ll find later in life that you will cross someone’s path that you can help. It was so in my life. As a junior in high school, I lost a good friend in Viet Nam. An evangelist came to my high school and helped me. Little did I know that 35 years later I would be sitting across a table from students at South Central trying to help them trough their grief. In conclusion, let me encourage you to turn to the Lord. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” If I can be of any help, please call Valley Baptist Church at 219-531-4104.
Pastor Denny Smith
Dealing with Grief
Remember:
- It is okay to cry
- Don’t keep your feelings inside
- Feel free to talk to other students and teachers about your feelings
- Enjoy good memories of Chans, Brandon, and James
- Be there for each other
- Help each other get through this time
- Time is a healer
- Do not allow yourself to get bitter
Verses of Hope and Help
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
I Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Psalm 33:20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he [is] our help and our shield.
Psalm 37:40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
Psalm 115:10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he [is] their help and their shield.
Psalm 121:2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalm 124:8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Mark 4:35-41 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
When trouble comes into our life remember:
Jesus cares, Jesus calms, and Jesus controls
What will happen to me when I die?
The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” You are made with a soul that will live forever some place. Death is only the end of life on earth but it is the beginning of eternity. You were made by God to have a personal relationship with Him. God loves you every much. John 3:16 tells us that “God so loved the world.” And again in Jeremiah 33:3 God says, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love.” He wants a relationship with you! What keeps us from a relationship with God? It is our sin. The Bible tells us that, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” In Romans 3:23 and in Romans 3:10 we read, “As it is written there is none righteous, no not one.” Every person ever born is a sinner and is therefore separated from God because of sin. Because God loves you and wants a relationship with you, He made a way that your sin can be removed. This way is found in the Bible in I Corinthians 15:3-4: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” Jesus, who is God’s Son, willingly died on the cross for your sin. Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death.” Jesus was willing to pay for your sin so that you do not have to. The death this verse is speaking of is eternal separation from God, in a place that the Bible calls Hell. Jesus paid the debt of your sin so that when you turn from your sin and put your faith in Jesus you have God’s word that He will forgive your sin and give you eternal life in heaven with God. Here’s how you do that. First, admit that you are a sinner, that you have done wrong things against God. Second, believe that Jesus died in your place for your sin. Third, choose to receive God’s gift of salvation. You can pray something like this.
Dear God, I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sin and that He rose again from the dead. Right now I choose to turn from my sin and accept Jesus as my savior. Thank you for loving me and sending your son to die for me. In Jesus name, Amen.
If you have just prayed to receive Jesus as your savior, I would like to rejoice with you and pray for you. Please email me or call using the contact information.
Memories
Click on each image to see a full-size copy.
Chans’ locker
Brandon’s locker
James’ locker
Rick Moore
May 19th, 2008 10:22 PM
We are praying for the families and friends of Chans, Brandon, and James and the students and teachers of South Central High school during your time of loss.
Deb Herrold
May 19th, 2008 10:51 PM
I am praying for all the friends and family of Chans & James & Brandon. Even though I didn’t know the boys, I felt I got to know them thru talking with their friends today. I could tell they were loved and will be greatly missed. If I can help please let me know. Hope to see you at Bible Study, Tues. mornings at 7:15 a.m. in Mrs. Hagenow’s room. Deb Herrold 733-2684
Katy Hardwick
May 23rd, 2008 1:00 PM
Dear Students: This has been a very difficult time for all of us. As a guidance counselor I have been involved in too many similar events, both here at South Central and at other schools. Sad to say, things don’t always run smoothly when tragedy strikes. I’m proud of all of you. I’m proud of the way you supported one another, and I’m proud of the way that you showed care and concern to all of the families involved. These situations are easily taken advantage of, and I appreciate more than I can say that you respected our wishes and remained on campus and continued with our school routine as much as possible. These are days that we will never forget. From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for conducting yourselves with dignity and maturity. Mrs. Hardwick
Tasia Weiss
May 23rd, 2008 5:43 PM
I just wanted to thank you for putting this website up. I didn’t know the boys well, but I have been affected by this tradgedy just as the rest of the students have. I encourage everyone to keep praying for their families, because when the grief lessens for us, it will still be strong for them. We will see these boys again in Heaven one day, and until that day comes, keep their memory alive in your hearts.
Amanda Nelson
May 24th, 2008 6:28 PM
Thank you very much for putting this website up. I have know James and Brandon since I was little. I grew up with them both, so this has very hard on me. It was very hard for me to understand way God had to take two of my best friends away from me, but like my mother and sister said everything happens for a reason. I pray everyday for Chans, James, and Brandon’s families. Again, thank you, for putting up this wonderful website.