Three students in accident on Mt Aspiring

It was all over the national news yesterday: three American exchange students had been in a bad accident on Mt Aspiring. Liz and I thought it was bad news, but within a couple of hours we learnt that the headline had become much more meaningful for the three were Lincoln students. Not only that, but one of them, Jesse, we know quite well as he is part of the TSCF group here - Lincoln University Christian Fellowship.

It seems that the three were descending Bonar Glacier on Mt Aspiring near Wanaka when they slipped, and, as roped, all fell. And they fell a long way - 400m onto an ice shelf. Austin died on impact, Mike broke main bones and Jesse broke a few bones. It was a miracle Mike and Jesse didn't die too. Even more amazing is that Jesse walked through the night to raise the alarm. His actions saved the life of Mike.

The original press reporting on the accident is here: http://stuff.co.nz/4052834a10.html
And a later story with a photo of Jesse and several comments about him being a Christian is here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4054063a11.html
TV3 news with footage and comment is here:
http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/209/articleID/26720/Default.aspx
Campbell Live interviewing Mallory and Megan about the three climbers. Mallory is also part of LUCF - http://www.tv3.co.nz/Programmes/NewsandCurrentAffairs/CampbellLive/StoryArchive/tabid/239/articleID/26730/Default.aspx

Yesterday at LUCF large group meeting at lunchtime we prayed for Austin's family, for Mike and for Jesse. Many students are in shock. All three lived on campus and so were well known in the university community.

Where is God in this? Do we marvel at the miracle of life for Jesse and Mike, or rant at God for taking Austin? As far as we know, Austin wasn't a Christian, nor is Mike.
One helpful thought expressed in LUCF is that all of us, every day, live in the light of God's mercy - it's only by God's mercy that we continue to live and breathe. Rather than expressing anger at God for Austin's death, we're thankful to God that he allows Mike, Jesse, you and I to live. The challenge for us in LUCF is to sensitively take opportunities this tragic accident affords to speak of God's mercy.

Please do pray for Jesse and Mike and the medical staff in Dunedin; for Jonno & Mallory from LUCF as they head south to visit Jesse and Mike; and for LUCF to speak of God's mercy when questions are naturally asked around the Lincoln Uni community.

Big thanks to many from church who have offered practical support to Jesse and Mike.