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U.S. NEWS

New Orleans Attack

The new year is most often thought of as an exciting opportunity for a fresh start. But for people in New Orleans this year, joy turned into sadness.

People had just rung in the new year on Bourbon Street, a popular New Year's Eve destination. Then, a man drove a pickup truck past police blockades and into crowds on the street. He killed 14 people and wounded 35 more. Then he crashed the truck, got in a shootout with police, and was killed. 

Authorities say the attacker was a 42-year-old U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas. He rented an electric Ford F-150 and drove it from Houston to New Orleans. Early on January 1st, he placed bombs—which never went off—in coolers on Bourbon Street. 

The attacker posted on Facebook saying he had joined ISIS, the Middle East-based terrorist group. Authorities called the attack "terrorism" and said he had been radicalized and inspired by ISIS.

Thousands of people were in Louisiana for college football’s Sugar Bowl, which was postponed a day. Memorials for the victims filled Bourbon Street, and President Biden visited New Orleans to comfort families on Monday.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Join us in prayer for the families of victims in New Orleans, that they would know the hope of Jesus and that he would turn their “mourning into dancing” (Psalm 30:11).

“Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with all who love you.” 
Book of Common Prayer, page 264

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
Whether you’re entering another year devastated by recent tragedy, worn down by hard things, or excited about opportunities, there is good news.

In the book of Lamentations, God’s people had just lost their homes and lots of people. In chapter 3, Jeremiah dwells in really deep darkness for 18 verses, and then there’s a turning point. He calls something to mind, and it gives him hope: 

“Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say, ‘The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him’” (Lamentations 3:22–24 CSB). In the face of unimaginable loss, Jeremiah has hope. God’s mercy is new every morning: on New Year’s Day, on a random Tuesday, and on the worst day of your life. He is always ready to give generously—it’s who he is.

What might my kids misunderstand about this story?
“Radicalization”—the process of adopting views that are really at odds with the norm—is usually a negative word in our culture. 

When people become radicalized by hateful ideas, it’s deadly and devastating. But when people are radicalized by Jesus’s mission to love God and love others, it’s life-giving and renewing for the whole world.

Jesus said a bunch of radical things—he’s kinda known for it. Being a radical is a good thing when it means we’re paying close attention to his teaching and trying to live by it… no matter what the status quo says.

• Compare some teachings of Jesus with the status quo in life today (places you could start: Matthew 5:38-45; Mark 10:17-27; John 14:6). Where do you need to be more radical in your love for God and others?

• Memorize Lamentations 3:22–23, “Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!” (CSB).

• Pray that victims’ families and your own family would experience God’s mercy in the hard places. Pray that the Lord will grow your love as you experience his unending, steadfast love.

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