Childress remains in critical condition
In the wake of the weekend Five Points shooting that critically injured 18-year-old Martha Childress, a first-year business student at USC, students gathered Monday night to show their support for Childress and pray for her recovery.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” said Braxton Towery, quoting from Matthew 11:28-30.
Serving as representatives of Carolina CRU and Greek Impact, Towery and his wife, Shelley, quoted scripture and analyzed what it meant to them in the context of the tragedy. Towery urged the crowd of students to look to God and scripture for strength.
“The God of the universe wants us to come to Him and pray on (her) behalf,” Towery said.
Childress was standing in a large group near the Five Points fountain at 2:30 a.m. Sunday when she was struck in the spine by a stray bullet fired after a fight broke out nearby. Columbia police said Monday she was in critical but stable condition.
Michael Juan Smith, 20, is charged in connection with the shooting and was denied bail Monday.
The prayer vigil, held on the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center fields Monday night, saw a large turnout from both the Greek community and the USC student body. It was organized by Zeta Tau Alpha, as Childress is a new member of the organization.
Chapter president Rachel Patton thanked the students for their support.
Towery then quoted Bible verses that he felt could offer comfort to students, including Psalm 23, Matthew 11 and Revelations 21.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes,” Towery quoted from Revelation 21:4. “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Afterward, the prayer leaders asked the crowd of students to break into smaller groups to offer individual prayers for Childress’s recovery and to share their personal experiences with her. Students could be seen comforting each other and holding hands as they took turns speaking and leading prayers.
Sarah Barkal, a third-year visual communications major, was one of the students who wanted to show her support for Childress.
“It’s so great to see so much unity in the Greek community during this incredibly hard time,” Barkal said. “We are all praying for Martha to have a fast recovery. It is just so comforting to know that Jesus is here with all of us during this time.”