Rick Warren Reacts to the Atlanta tragedy
Rick Warren, author of “The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?” and pastor of Saddleback Church, wrote a statement reacting to the role his book played in the Atlanta hostage situation.
Ashley Smith, who was held hostage for about seven hours, read Chapter 33 of the book to alleged courthouse killer Brian Nichols.
From author Rick Warren, regarding Recent Atlanta tragedy:
While traveling in Africa this week, my wife, Kay, and I have been following the heartbreaking developments through news and email reports of the tragedy unfolding in Atlanta in recent days.
We have grieved with the rest of the country over the senseless loss of life, and our hearts and our prayers go out to the victims and their families.
We have been grateful to see God use ‘The Purpose Driven Life’ to provide comfort and direction to people from all walks of life, and were humbled to learn that hostage Ashley Smith found strength and encouragement in its pages during her seven-hour ordeal.
I understand Ms. Smith shared a portion from the chapter on “Servanthood” with Mr. Nichols, which seemed to have a positive impact on his life. Jesus sometimes calls us in some of the most difficult situations to be an advocate for Him and the message He represented while on this earth.
We are thankful that Ms. Smith was able to draw from the Scriptures and her reading from the Purpose Driven Life to bring some hope to her captor’s life that was unraveling so tragically and dramatically.
A PDF file of the chapter read to Nichols is available here.