The tragic event of Boston Marathon bombing on last Monday (4/15) reopens the wounds that many people have experienced since 9/11/2001. Among the 100+ seriously injured victims, three of them lost their lives – they are all young and promising lives. One of them is a graduate student of math and statistics from Boston University, and she came from China. Sadly, when considering her statistical skill, she probably would never guess that this rare and terrible accident would fall upon her.

To mourn her, her friends got together holding a candlelight vigil on the street of her hometown Shenyang. They lamented, “Your hometown Shenyang is kindling bright candles for you to help you shine the path to heaven. You will never lost again as you were used to be. On your way, there will be NO MORE BOMBS and there will be NO MORE TERRORS’ ATTACK你的故鄉瀋陽為你點燃長明的蠟燭，幫你照亮天堂的道路，愛迷路的你不會再迷路，這一路上不再有炸彈，不再有恐怖襲擊.” What a heart-breaking and touching eulogy!

I am certain that her death would bring awful turmoil to the life of her parents, family members and friends – there will be many tears and heartbreaks. From reading newspaper and media on the internet, I discover that, like many of us, she left her hometown crossed oceans and culture barrier to pursue her dreams. During her stay in campus, she showed interest to Christianity and joined fellowship gatherings, according to her friend. Yet, I couldn’t tell whether she had received the greatest gift – salvation – or not. However, the eulogy her friends lamented hints us that “heaven” is the place that can give her protection – it will be no more bombs and terrors.

In fact, apostle John indicated to us that in the new heaven and new earth “He (God) will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. 神要擦去他們一切的眼淚‧不再有死亡，也不再有悲哀，哭號，疼痛，因為以前的事都過去了‧(Revelation 21:4)” This is a promise we received from God when we accept His son Jesus Christ as our personal savior. How comfort it is!

We may not fathom the reason why she, the victimized student, had to depart from this world so abruptly by such a tragic accident. However, troubles and sufferings are not foreign to us, as our Lord Jesus indicated to His disciples. He wants His disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 你們心裡不要憂愁‧你們信神，也當信我 (John 14:1)”. When we learn to trust our Lord completely, we can then learn to “take heart” because He has overcome this world (John 16:33).  

My friends, are your hearts troubled? Please remember that “there are no more bombs in heaven” and, our Lord’s promises will never in vain. May you have the opportunity to meet Him personally!