19 Jul, 2007
How could this have happened?
Teenage Girl Killed on Bungee Thrill Ride
OSHKOSH - A teenage girl was killed Saturday after falling from a bungee cord harness ride at a festival.
Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Mohl, or Liz as she's better known, was celebrating life at the Christian festival, "Lifest," when she tragically lost hers.
The Air Glory thrill ride hoists two to three people, strapped into bungee-cord harnesses, 45 feet in the air face down. The riders then pull a rip cord and fall or swing down on the bungee cords.
People were standing by watching, waiting for Liz's bungee cord to pull her up. Instead she kept falling until she hit the ground.
Counselors were being made available Monday and Tuesday at Menasha High School for students seeking help in coping with the tragedy. Mohl would have been a junior at the school this fall, school district director of special services Marci Theri said.
Mohl was described by Theri as an excellent student who was active in the orchestra and jazz band.
Her friends say they still can't believe Mohl died so tragically.
One friend posted a message on Liz's Facebook.com page. He said "Liz kept falling...it was hard for me to hear it and I clinched my fists...none of us will ever forget her."
Liz went on the ride with a friend. Her friend was also hoisted 45 feet in the air when Liz suddenly fell.
A witness said her friend was stuck hanging, crying and screaming, while people ran to help Liz.
Mohl died of massive trauma due to head, chest and abdominal injuries, Winnebago County Coroner Barry Busby said Monday. She died during emergency surgery, he said.
Life Promotions organized the festival. Communications director Wes Halula told TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Silvia Acevedo that police shut down the ride to investigate what happened. Fest organizers shut down the festival for two hours to pray for the victim.
Lifest is one of the largest Christian festivals in the country. The annual music event features rides and sports.
story courtesy Silvia Acevedo & Melissa McCrady, todaystmj4.com, 7/18/07
Job 42:1-5 (NLT)
1 Then Job replied to the Lord:
2 “I know that you can do anything,
and no one can stop you.
3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’
It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about,
things far too wonderful for me.
4 You said, ‘Listen and I will speak!
I have some questions for you,
and you must answer them.’
5 I had only heard about you before,
but now I have seen you with my own eyes.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about what to do even when God's wisdom can not be explained?
The background to Job's story up to this point is that he had asked God "WHY?" sixteen times to explain all the suffering he had endured. After God's speech to him, Job humbled himself and God blessed him with a family and even greater material possessions than he had before.
In today's text, Job is admitting that he had been foolish in questioning God's control and wisdom. He confessed his attitude of demanding God to explain His ways.
Today's story about Liz falling to her death at the Christian music festival is one that has her friends, family and maybe some of us questioning God and asking Him the "WHY?" question.
The hard reality is that God's wisdom in this tragic accident may not be explained in this earthly life. So what do we do?
Job's story gives everyone an example to follow. We must come to the point where we don't demand for God to explain the "WHY" and in humility recognize that our focus must be on the "WHO".
This "WHO" is the almighty, loving God who uses His wisdom to accomplish His perfect plan. Our response must be absolute TRUST in Him because:
God's wisdom is understood through His Spirit.
God's wisdom and knowledge are infinite.
God's wisdom is part of accomplishing His purposes.
God's wisdom may not be explained in this life, but we must trust Him.
- Praise God for His infinite wisdom, which He reveals to us through His Spirit as He accomplishes His perfect purposes. If you have been angry with God in demanding an explanation for the circumstances in your life, admit that right now - He understands and loves you. If you have been using what you can't understand about God's ways as an excuse for not trusting Him, admit this to God right now and ask His Spirit to give you the faith you need to trust Him in complete humility. Thank Him for the fact that He will continue to use all of His wisdom to help you glorify Him as you become more like Jesus.
- Pray every day for God's Spirit to give you faith to choose to trust Him rather than doubt Him as you face life's unanswered questions.
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Pray for the family and friends of Liz to experience the peace that only Jesus Christ can provide.
- The ride that malfunctioned and cost Liz her life is called "Air Glory". Pray for God's glory to be revealed through Liz's accident as He uses His wisdom and power to reach people for Christ through this story.
- Use this story as a conversation starter to learn more about the stories of those in your storysphere who need Jesus. Focus on listening rather than feeling the need to answer the questions, especially since we don't know the answers. BUT, this may be an opportunity for you to share more of your story - that you are trusting the "WHO" as you wonder about the "WHY".
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