Hardly anyone can forget the televised replays of students running from their bullet-riddled school as two classmates on a murderous rampage took the lives of 12 students and one teacher April 20, 1999 in Columbine, Colo.

One of the victims was 17-year-old Rachel Joy Scott, a typical teenager who became a modern-day martyr for her faith. When one of the shooters asked her if she believed in God on that fateful day, she responded, “You know I do.”

“Then go be with him,” her assailant reportedly said, and shot her in the head.
Darrell Scott, Rachel’s father, will speak Sunday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Peachtree City. Since his daughter’s death, Scott has traveled across the United States addressing church groups, national leaders and television audiences on the “powerful message” of faith in God that has become Rachel’s legacy.

Empowered by the eerily prophetic writings in Rachel’s journals, and her deep and mature relationship with God, Scott has recommitted himself to the ministerial life; he uses the Columbine tragedy in his talks as an example of the never-ending struggle humanity wages between the forces of good and evil.

A book entitled “Rachel’s Tears” was published earlier this year, based on the Scott family’s journey of faith and forgiveness, with excerpts from their daughter’s journal. Within 11 months before the Columbine tragedy, Rachel wrote, “This will be my last year, Lord. I have gotten what I can. Thank you.” Another brief entry added to her perception of life: “Just passing by, Just coming through, Not staying long, I always knew, This home I have will never last.”

Scott and Rachel’s mother, Beth Nimmo, have been interviewed innumerable times. “We do this because we believe that our daughter Rachel Scott has a powerful message that survives her tragic death and needs to be heard by everyone,” they say in the introduction to “Rachel’s Tears.”

They continue to explain that by “telling Rachel’s story, we can help those who knew her to have a greater understanding of her inner spiritual motivation. We also hope those who didn’t know her can be inspired by her example.”

One of Rachel’s most compelling messages refers to life after death. “What if you were to die today? What would happen to you? Where would you go? Tomorrow is not a promise, but a chance. It may not be there for you. After death, then what? Where will you spend your eternity? Will you have an eternal life with our loving Father, or will you be ripped from the arms of your saviour Jesus Christ. Eternity is in your hands... change it.!”

First Baptist Church is at 208 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City, just off Ga. Highway 54 near City Hall. For information, phone 770-487-8133.

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