In the Christian Reader, Ramon Williams writes that on April 28, 1996, a gunman walked into a crowded cafe in Port Arthur, Australia, and started shooting. Tony Kistan, a Salvation Army soldier from Sydney, and his wife Sarah were in the restaurant when the bullets began to fly. Courageously Tony stepped in front of his wife to shield her from the gunfire, and he was one of the first to fall. Thirty-four victims eventually died in the incident, including Tony Kistan. As he lay dying in his wife's arms, he spoke his last words, "I'm going to be with the Lord."
Those final words of faith were quoted by the Australian media and carried to the world. "At a press conference," writes Williams, "Tony's son Nesan, 24, explained why his father held this assurance and described his father's dedication to the gospel.
Hardened journalists and photographers were seen wiping tears from their eyes. In life, Tony had been a man who witnessed for his Lord to strangers and friends alike, and now in death, he had witnessed to others through his simple last statement."
Courage, Death, Faith, Heaven, Hope, Love, Paradise, Protection, Purpose, Testimony
1 Cor. 13:7; 2 Cor. 5:1-9; Phil. 1:20-24
Those final words of faith were quoted by the Australian media and carried to the world. "At a press conference," writes Williams, "Tony's son Nesan, 24, explained why his father held this assurance and described his father's dedication to the gospel.
Hardened journalists and photographers were seen wiping tears from their eyes. In life, Tony had been a man who witnessed for his Lord to strangers and friends alike, and now in death, he had witnessed to others through his simple last statement."
Being a witness for Christ in this evil world brings eternal purpose to even the most tragic and painful events.
Courage, Death, Faith, Heaven, Hope, Love, Paradise, Protection, Purpose, Testimony
1 Cor. 13:7; 2 Cor. 5:1-9; Phil. 1:20-24