Australia: Christian college prays for family of Steve Irwin
"Steve Irwin died on 4 September following a rare attack made by a stingray, that saw
its tail barb pierce Steve's chest as he was filming a wildlife documentary in far north Queensland."Australians and people from around the globe are devastated, as are many of the students at the Glasshouse Country Christian College situated five minutes drive from Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo in Beerwah, where I teach drama and media and also work as a freelance radio and print journalist .
"It was a real shock as news trickled in about Steve's death. At about the time that Steve died, our chaplain Dallas Pickop, who is also developmental manager at Christian Voice International radio station, was at the college. Dallas and the middle school staff were going about their work as part-time chaplains, teachers and pastoral carers of the next generation of young Australian Christians.
"Chappy Dee, as he is affectionately known, had just called an unscheduled chapel service on the Monday morning around the same time as Steve's death, not knowing what had happened. Dallas had called the chapel service to challenge the young people of our school to wrestle with the fact that none of us are immortal and that one day, any day, we may die. What would we say if we were to die today and face God?
"The chapel service was rather timely and some would say a God-appointed prophetic moment, as Dallas talked to our middle school students about how young people often take greater risks in their youth, thinking that they are invincible, and then they usually reach an age in their late 20's and realise that they are not living life just for themselves but are here on earth for a purpose.
"TV footage of Steve Irwin aired on Australian television on Monday showed him saying that he believed he had been put on this earth to raise people's awareness of the need for wildlife conservation, and to protect animals and bushland for future generations. By crikey, he certainly did that.
"His American wife Terri is known around the area for making surprise visits to local churches bringing her children Bindy and Bob with her, and at times they were able to go to Sunday school with a minder to keep them protected from being overwhelmed with questions and being crowded out by inquisitive kids and the like.
"We all hope and pray that Terri's Christian faith will help her cope with the grief and loss, and help guide her children to a deeper understanding of God's grace and mercy in the passing of their much loved husband and Dad.
"The general consensus around Beerwah, where Australia Zoo is situated, is that Steve died doing what he loved best - being around animals in their natural environment.
"When you drive past the zoo, there are hundreds members of the local community and tourists placing floral wreaths, stuffed animals, cards, and messages of condolence in memory of Steve Irwin, as a tribute to the Croc Hunter and all that he has done for Australian wildlife and raising Australians profile around the world.
"There are also many media teams that have flocked to set up media camps outside the zoo.
"The world's attention was drawn to Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, both in life and death and whilst it is not known whether Steve had a personal relationship with Jesus before his death, our prayers are that his wife Terri and children Bindy and Bob will come to come to know Jesus in a more real and meaningful way, as they face life without their amazing husband and dad."
- Louise Heinrich is Special Australian Correspondent for Assist News, United Christian Broadcasters Australia and 2k plus International Sports Media
