When tragedy strikes, it is then that we need the touch of the Master’s hand the most—a touch demonstrating tenderness and compassion, yet incredible strength.

As Christians, we are called to represent Jesus and to be His hands and feet. Recently Abigail "Abby" Koo and Heather Myers, students at Indiana University–Bloomington (IU), were able to demonstrate Christ’s love in a profound way. Abby is a School of Music graduate student, and Heather is a student in Applied Health Science with an emphasis in human development and family studies. They are also members of Adventist Students for Christ, a campus outreach organization from the Bloomington Seventh-day Adventist Church.

When a tragic airplane crash occurred in Bloomington, claiming the lives of five fellow School of Music colleagues, it rocked the community as well as the IU campus. The students, faculty, and staff were devastated by the news, and many did not know how to cope. Shock and disbelief ran rampant through the halls of the music building.

Because of Abby's and Heather’s involvement in Adventist Students for Christ, a student-led ministry aimed at reaching students for Jesus, it has strengthened their walk with the Lord and nurtured a deeper level of compassion for their fellowman. The ministry provides weekly vespers and spiritual support in connection with the local church. Even though Abby and Heather also experienced a deep sense of grief from this horrific loss, they laid aside their own sadness and found ways to reach out to others.

Abby quickly organized a prayer vigil to console those who tried to make sense of it all and to pray for the families of the five victims. For those who desired to do more in addition to praying, Heather suggested she and Abby provide the necessary supplies to make cards for the families who lost loved ones. The goal was to let the victims' families know the students who perished were loved and would always be remembered.

When asked by the school’s newspaper editor why they were doing it, Abby said, “We are able to deal with this by the grace of God, and we can't imagine how much more difficult it would be for those who don't have that. Although it is difficult to speak at times, it is important not to remain silent. We need each other.”

Fernando Ortiz, pastor of the Bloomington and Bedford Adventist churches, found himself extremely moved by the compassion he saw in Abby and Heather. He said, “The initiative our students took to step up in a moment of crisis [to] bring comfort to students and faculty is just incredible. This was an example of being there when people need you the most.”

Abby and Heather chose to be an extension of Christ. Sensing others needed additional encouragement and support during a difficult time, the touch of the Master’s hand was offered through them.

Who will you touch today?

Judi Roberts is a member of the Bedford (Indiana) Church.