PETER KASSIG: A LIVING TESTIMONY OF FAITH IN SERVICE
A Prayerful Reflection: Kanwal Prakash Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Nov 18, 2014
We are deeply saddened to learn about the horrific murder of Indiana son, Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassing at the hands of ISIS, a band of rampaging faithless evil that has, in recent months, claimed thousands of innocent lives in the Iraq-Syria conflict.
Thank you for many thoughtful tributes and perspectives on this grave and unconscionable tragedy for Peter's parents, all Hoosiers, and all humanity. This murder and others have sent shock waves through people of universal goodwill - across faiths, cultures, continents, and communities.
We join all who are mourning Peter's death - all Hoosiers, the grieving and devastated parents, Peter's global family of friends, and people in the faith communities across the world who had been praying that a truly dedicated Peter Kassig may be spared this tragic fate that had already fell on countless victims of ISIS. That was not to be and remained an unanswered hope and prayer.
We can take immeasurable comfort that young and brave Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig was on a sacred humanitarian mission to bring hope and healing to innocents caught in a senseless war that has been wreaking death and destruction for far too long and with no end in sight. Peter understood and, rightly embraced, the lesson that selfless service and sacrifices are a living
testimony of God's unconditional love, our faiths at work and in service, and as an above and beyond just another daring commitment and calling to causes bigger than our own personal concerns and fears, and short-lived dreams. Peter saw and set another shining example of love that sees no boundaries and sacrifice that uplifts unimaginable burdens and inspires all humanity
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According to Sikh faith: "...such souls, having righteously toiled, enter the Kingdom of God with their heads held high and brilliant light on their faces." We thank God and celebrate the life of Peter Kassig for leading us to a place where even as we may mourn his loss, we find comfort in a timeless legacy and testimony of a life well-lived. Peter has invited us to ponder upon his life and
to carry his spirit forward as a light and not as the darkness of the moment. I join millions in thanking Peter for living a universal faith lesson and giving this gift to us all.
With prayers of universal goodwill, peace, prayerful remembrance, and renewed hope. Kanwal Prakash "KP" Singh, Indianapolis, Indiana USA, www.KPSinghDesigns.com
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Peter Kassig:
Kassig, who converted to Islam in captivity, also went by the name Abdul-Rahman Kassig.
Peter Kassig, US aid worker and former soldierwas beheaded by ISIS terrorists, the White House confirmed Sunday.
He first traveled to the Middle East as a U.S. soldier and returned as a medical worker, feeling compelled to help victims of war.
During aid working in Syria, he was held hostage for over a year.
"We are heartbroken to learn that our son, Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig, has lost his life as a result of his love for the Syrian people and his desire to ease their suffering," said the parents of Kassig, Ed and Paula.
Indiana Governor
Indiana Governor Mike Pence is directing flags at state facilities across Indiana be flown at half staff beginning immediately to mark the tragic murder of Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig.
“Today, all of Indiana mourns the tragic loss of an inspiring Hoosier and heroic American, Abdul-Rahman (Peter) Kassig. The murder of Indiana’s Abdul-Rahman Kassig at the hands of ISIS terrorists is an unspeakable act of barbarism and a tragedy that will be deeply felt by all the people of our state for many years to come." said Governor Mike Pence
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