FROM DEATH TO LIFE, FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE

On Sunday, August 12th, just before 2 p.m. the First Pingalapese UCC (a Micronesian congregation) of Neosho, Missouri was gathered for worship. A gunman entered the First Congregational Church building and after a brief verbal exchange with leaders, shot and killed three persons: Rev. Kernel Rehobson (43), Senior Pastor, and two other pastors: Intenson Rehobson (44) and Jesse Ikosia (53). Five others were shot: Jim Handy, Melihna Tara, Dahnny Jack and Kendey Handy. They were hospitalized and will recover fully from the gunshot wounds. The events of that fateful day, as well the week that followed, have been documented by newscasts and newspaper articles that received world-wide coverage.

Nearly one week later, a memorial service was held celebrating the lives of these three men. Hundreds of people came from all parts of the country. Micronesian folks and other Pacific Island congregations came from east and west, north and south, to be with the families and church. Rev. Kohnes Ramon, denominational leader from Micronesia, made the 19-hour flight from the Islands. United Church of Christ congregations sent innumerable expressions of sympathy, support, love and encouragement. Local businesses and large corporations provided truckloads of food, water and other supplies to provide for the more than 1,000 persons in attendance. The memorial service and burial service literally filled the day. The celebration of life and faith went well into the night-time hours.

Churches of the Western Association and Missouri Mid-South Conference were well-represented. The Rev. Char Burch, Interim Conference Minister, expressed something of the sentiment felt by so many: “This is a community of great faith and hope. They have suffered a great loss but have come together with support of the wider church family. I am inspired by their strength and courage in the face of adversity. It is heartening to witness the number of e-mails and expressions of concern from all around the country.”

The church had been planning to join the Western Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference in late September. As the church prayerfully considers the next chapters of their journey, it is clear that they are blessed with faithful leaders, a rich spirit and abundant hope.
The day following the tragic shootings, the families began making arrangements for the services and burials. The funeral home chapel was filled with sadness, loss, wonderment, confusion, and shock. At the back of the room, one of the pastors was visiting with Lovihna Rehobson, wife of Rev. Kernel Rehobson, their son, Kernel (Jr) and his wife, Gretchen. The pastor suggested gently that we should pray for the shooter as well.
“We have already forgiven him,” said Lovihna. “Yes,” echoed her children, “We have already forgiven him.”

Words from the World Peace Prayer penetrated the moment: “Lead us from despair to hope...from death to life.” Less than three weeks later, Kernel and Gretchen welcomed into the world a baby girl, Resel Gene Rehobson.