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Hey Everyone,
My name is Denny. I do some behind the scenes work with TWLOHA as well as a bit of speaking on the side. I'm writing you today because I want to share about an event Jamie and myself will be speaking at tomorrow.
A few months ago we received an email from a church leader in a small city east of Des Moines, Iowa named Altoona. He asked if we would come participate with his community in efforts to respond to a string of suicides that has occurred in the past six months at the local high school Southeast Polk-four students to be exact with the last one taking place in late November. Two of the surviving families whose boys took their life are funding a one day suicide prevention conference that will include Jamie, me and some local counseling resources.
You see, we're going to this event not as "saviors" or heroes, not as the rescue squad who has all the answers and potions to fix things. We are going because we believe this small city in the Midwest matters. We believe that the families, friends and students who are going through this experience of pain and loss deserve to be heard. There is a need here and we are moved by this chance to share a story of hope and to speak into lives whose suffering is still so fresh.
Personally, I can't identify with losing a loved one from suicide, so this all feels beyond anything I can give. But I can identify with a hopelessness and darkness that rips a person's life apart. I can identify with the feeling of not having anything to live for, and feeling that I would be better off dead. But I also know what it is like to come out of this darkness and to live with hope. I know the taste of community and how this can change a person.
The event takes place at Lutheran Church of the Cross tomorrow, January 17, starting at 9:30. It will be open to the public free of charge. This will be an attempt to announce hope over hopelessness. We want this community to know they are not alone. We would love to see anyone who can came come out for this special moment.
Thank you,
DennyPosted in General by Denny Kolsch
Comments (12)
Absolutely. Every town and every single person has a call and a purpose in their lives. Hopelessness and the belief in futility is in itself a one way street. It leads only to greater despair. The cycle must be broken. If you guys can help these hurting people achieve that resolution, to stop this cycle... well let's face it: all the help they can get right now is going to be pretty essential to rebuilding their lives. These are gaps now that no other person could possibly fulfill and still so young. But hope is still real and love still abounds. We keep moving and my thoughts and best wishes go with you.
<33
1 | Left by NolanNightmare | Jan. 16, 2009 at 1:10pm
This is lovely, and you both are lovely for doing it.
I appreciate it on many accounts, though I won't be able to attend as I'm half way across the country..
2 | Left by Anon | Jan. 16, 2009 at 4:11pm
That is such an amazing thing you guys are doing for that community. I hope you see how much it will affect those that attend the conference. God bless the families of the poor souls who fell victim to this terrible epidemic of depression, the feeling of sadness and worthlessness, those who felt the need to take their own lives. Your words are always so powerful and it's wonderful knowing that you're going to speak at this event for all the right reasons. There's no doubt that that lucky community will appeciate what you have to say. TWLOHA is such a moving organization, and had those poor kids had the opportunity to discover it, they would probably still be here today. But rest assured that tomorrow, although it may not be physicaly visible, you guys will be saving the lives of any person in that church who is or has ever thought about committing suicide or hurtng themselves because even just your words are powerful enough to provide them with the glimpse of hope that they need. I hope you keep us updated on how it goes :).
God bless
-Tiffani
3 | Left by Tiffani | Jan. 16, 2009 at 9:01pm
it means a lot for you to come out here. these 4 left behind some of my dear friends... thanks for speaking and showing them the love they deserve, and giving them hope and a bit of strength back.
praying for you guys tomorrow.
crystal
4 | Left by crystal | Jan. 16, 2009 at 10:48pm
You guys are so awesome and I hope all goes well at the church today! I am always impressed at the compassion a few strangers can show and the hope they can provide to those who are hurting. Ya'll are an amazing group and I wish you all the best and my prays are always with you!
5 | Left by Brittany | Jan. 17, 2009 at 8:28am
I just got back from this event and it was life-changing for me. You guys are amazinPr
6 | Left by Maddie | Jan. 17, 2009 at 1:54pm
Great work today, Denny! Thanks for taking time to jot down a few words for me to a young lady in need. You touch and bless so many lives. You make an incredible difference. And whatever you can do will be all that God intended you to do. Keep faith, hope and love alive.
7 | Left by Lee T | Jan. 17, 2009 at 2:29pm
I'm not that kind of person to be depressed or have suicidal thoughts but it hurts me to know that there are people out there that are actually feeling this pain on a day-to-day basis. You guys are great and thanks for listening to my girlfriend spill out her story. It really means a lot to me and her knowing that there's people out there that care. Thanks.
8 | Left by Tony | Jan. 17, 2009 at 6:56pm
I just wanted to thank you guys again for coming out. And all the comments that people left here. It meant alot to me and the other kids who came to the conference.
9 | Left by Brad | Jan. 18, 2009 at 10:02pm
your impact is as profound as the message
10 | Left by Peter | Jan. 19, 2009 at 3:15pm
i really wish i could've gone to this. i recently lost a friend to suicide and yeah... i'm sorry i missed this.
11 | Left by Alice | Jan. 22, 2009 at 6:50am
Hi guys
Just like to say your work is great! Keep up the good work!
12 | Left by Glossop | Feb. 6, 2009 at 9:19am
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