6 Oct, 2006
Shooter's Grim Past
The Weston High School shooting occurred on September 29 in Cazenovia, Wisconsin. Eric Hainstock, a 9th grade student, used a pistol to shoot principal John Klang several times before being apprehended. Klang later died as a result of the wounds he received.
A criminal complaint says the 15-year-old was upset with Klang because the principal had disciplined him for having tobacco in the school the day before and teachers hadn't stopped a group of kids who had called him names. Court documents paint a grim picture of Hainstock's home life as he was growing up. When Hainstock's parents, Lisa and Shawn, divorced in 1995, a judge granted primary custody to Hainstock's father, saying he provided a more stable environment. But, Shawn Hainstock was charged with physically abusing his son in 2001. A criminal complaint says Eric told investigators his father kicked him because he hadn't given the pets some water. He says his father also hit him with a belt and a paddle he called the "board of education," put hot sauce or hot peppers in his mouth as punishment for lying and swearing and threatened him with juvenile court and foster care. Alan Hahn works on farms near the Hainstock home and has known the family for nearly a decade. Hahn says when Eric would do something wrong, like leave a motorcycle helmet out overnight, he would have to run laps around the house for hours. Hahn says the boy spent as much time as possible with his grandparents to get away from his father.
photo & story courtesy AP & waow.com, 10/04/06
Like sheep without a shepherd
What does today's God's Story teach us about Christ's compassion?
Everyone has a story. Sadly, many people have a story that is filled with a twisted plot and a tragic theme. Eric, the boy who killed his school principal, obviously fits Matthew's description of someone who is like a "sheep without a shepherd".
Principal Klang is a victim. His family, school and community are victims. Eric, the teenage shooter, is a victim....broken home....abused by his father....picked on.....none of this is an excuse for his crime, but he has a very painful past.
Jesus feels great compassion for people who have problems so great that they don't know how to get help, or they are so down, they don't respond to help that is available. He wants to bring healing and hope to their lives through His love, forgiveness and power.
The amazing thing is that He wants to use us. Jesus said we should pray for people to respond to His need for workers. Quite often, when we pray for something, God uses us to answer our own prayers! He wants us to see the need and trust Him to empower us to meet the needs of others.
Many people are ready for the turning point in their stories. They may give their lives to Christ if someone helps them connect their stories to God's Story.
Are you willing to be that person?
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
Thank God that He sent Jesus to rewrite your life story. Praise Him for the fact that you know your story will have a happy ending - living with God in Heaven forever! Ask His Spirit to empower you with Christ's compassion for those who are hurting and feel helpless. Pray that people will respond to the need for being God's workers. Ask Jesus to give you a willing, humble heart to be one of those workers.
Pray for Jesus to show you someone in your circle of influence who is "like a sheep without the Shepherd". Trust Jesus to show you practical ways to connect with this person. It might be through acts of kindness, an encouraging word or note, an invitation to a "safe" place or experience....
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- The recent school shootings around the country are weighing heavy on our minds and hearts. Get your youth group, small group, or some other friends together to pray. Pray for Eric, the 9th grade shooter, to experience the love and forgiveness that comes through Christ alone. (Imagine the potential impact of thousands of DAILYBIDE readers praying for Eric.) Pray also for the family and friends of Principal Klang expereince God's peace and truth.
As you continue to see news reports of people who are harassed and helpless, let Jesus remind you that you know the Shepherd and your story can help other "sheep" be rescued. Encourage others who are in "the sheep fold" to do the same.
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