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Religion See other Religion Articles Title: VT Victim With A Powerful Testimony This reporter, Amy Johnson, did a superb job of relaying this story. There was much more that could have been said of course, but not enough books to contain the words. A joyous remembrance Virginia Tech victim Lauren McCain is remembered for her love and faith. BY AMY JOHNSON 757-247-4743 April 23, 2007 HAMPTON -- It looked like a celebration. Balloons with images of soccer balls, hearts and crosses hung off a message board at Restoration Church-Phoebus Baptist on Sunday afternoon. A picture of a beautiful, happy, young woman was placed close by. Her smile looked infectious and her eyes hopeful. She looked vibrant and strong. Lauren McCain was remembered for being all of those things. McCain, 20, a Hampton resident, was among the students shot to death on the campus of Virginia Tech last Monday. She was a freshman majoring in international studies. Hundreds of friends and family members gathered at Restoration Church-Phoebus Baptist to remember the young Christian woman whose life was full of love and faith. So many people attended the service that additional rooms in the church were set up as overflow areas where people could view the service on a pull-down screen. McCain's unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ and desire to teach others about her faith were themes of the service, which was marked with hymns such as "Holy is the Lord" and "It is Well With My Soul." Congregation members let out hearty amens and raised their hands in song as they celebrated their memories of a woman who herself was so full of spirit. They drew comfort from their belief that McCain was "home" and in a safer place. Pastor Leonard Riley recalled the last service McCain attended at the church. "It was the Easter service," Riley said. "Lauren was sitting next to her sister Abby, who was standing on the pew, praising Jesus Christ." He smiled at the memory - and then he almost cried. Riley characterized McCain as someone who was not ashamed to know Christ and as someone whose love for Christ was evident "just by looking at her," Riley said. "She didn't just want to hold his hand, she wanted to see his face. She wanted to know him." "Lauren was one of those special people who, if you were around her long enough, she became a part of you," he said. Though Riley said he could've chosen a dozen different Bible verses that reminded him of McCain, he chose Matthew 5:13 which reads "You are the salt of the earth." "Salt gives things flavor and zest," Riley said. "And that was Lauren. She had a unique way of looking at things from a very different perspective." Several people gave testimonials of McCain during the service. Amanda Carpenter said McCain befriended her several years ago despite the fact they were four years apart in age. "It's like she didn't think it was weird at all to be talking to a 12-year-old," she said with a little laugh. "My mom always liked that she could talk to adults too. My mom always said she hoped I grew up to be like Lauren." Carpenter said she was listening to a song last week that reminded her of McCain. "The writer of the song was singing about what he wanted in his life, and it was to love without fear, and I thought, 'That's Lauren.' " Diane Grace remembered McCain for her compassion. "What set Lauren apart from other young people, was the love she had for everyone," Grace said. Grace said McCain would spend time with her son, who has muscular dystrophy. "She sought him out," Grace said. "And listened to every single word he said." Rick Powell recalled the day he walked into Restoration Church. He had only been a few times and didn't really know anyone. "I walked in and Lauren saw me, and she just said, 'You must be Rick.' I couldn't remember her name at the time, but we talked for about 15 minutes," Powell said. "When she talked to you she made you feel like the only one on Earth. "Here I was, just this guy who walked through the back door of a church, and she treated me like royalty. Like Jesus himself had just walked through those doors." Powell said McCain taught him more about the love of Christ than anyone else, and he thanked her parents for raising such an amazing daughter. Friends of McCain said her strong faith gave her the ability to outwardly love others. She took that love and openness with her to Virginia Tech where she was involved in Campus Crusade, Bridges International Ministry and the church on campus. McCain will be buried in Oklahoma at a later date. Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#1. To: David Alan Carmichael (#0)
That's a wonderful tribute David. I'm sorry you lost such a close friend to your family. We can hope the memory of her example will be a strong inspiration to others.
Someone found a video interview of Lauren McCain at Virginia Tech. She was one of those killed in the German class and one of the last two to be identified. Her father was interviewed on the day Lauren's body was identified and he said without hesitation that he forgave the shooter. Here is a link to the Lauren McCain interview http://www.starshellmedia.com/ lm_video.htm
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