Mercer University remembers lives lost in attacks overseas

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Middle Georgians are praying for the victims in the recent attacks in Beirut and Paris. Students and Faculty at Mercer University remembered those lost and asked for peace Wednesday morning.

Last Thursday a twin suicide attack in Beirut killed 43 and wounded more than 200. Multiple terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday killed at least 129 and injured more than 350 others. ISIS claimed responsibility for both attacks. While Lebanon and France are thousands of miles away, the heartache for the lives lost can still be felt here.

“God is listening to our cries and hearing our concerns. He is with us through all things,” said Bekah Fulton, a junior at Mercer University.

The university minister, Dr. Craig McMahan, held a moment of silence during the service to remember those who were killed in the attacks overseas.

“It’s heartbreaking to realize what we hear and what we know isn’t all of it,” explained Fulton.

Another student at Mercer University, Andrew Hearn, said these are the times when people need to band together.

“It’s so easy to just withdraw and say I’m done with interacting with the world. I’m done reaching out to people. I’m done loving people,” said Hearn.

There were readings from the Koran, the Old Testament and the New Testament.

“We wanted to allow a variety of religions to be involved because we believe that religion can be a very powerful motivator,” said Dr. McMahan.

Professor Eimad Houry read a passage from the Koran.

“I was especially appreciative of the Koran reading. Just sort of a way to ease some of that tension. I think that can really happen after events like these,” said Hearn.

Two candles burned at the front of the memorial service. One representing remembrance, the other peace. 

“To see this many students care and coming together as a community and talking about those who’ve lost their lives and also talking about how they can be makers of peace in the world was very inspiring to me,” said Dr. McMahan.