9 Months after Christian Massacre, University Reopens: "They Can't Kill Our Spirit"

Leah Marieann Klett : Jan 7, 2016
The Gospel Herald

Terrorists had targeted a Christian prayer meeting. Only 7 of the 29 Christian students survived. "The gunman didn't say anything," said one survivor, "but you could see from the look on his face he was happy."

(Kenya)—Nine months after experiencing a devastating terror attack resulting in the deaths of close to 150 Christian students, Garissa University College in Kenya has reopened, expressing hope that this time, "all will be well and peaceful." (Photo via Gospel Herald)

According to a report from BBC News, staff and students are expected back on campus next week, while the college's Twitter page shared photos of students registering for classes.

The college also re-tweeted the sentiments of incoming students: Al Shabaab will kill our bodies but will never kill our spirit, we'll rebuild and reopen as if nothing happened," wrote one student. Added another, "Hope this time all will be well and peaceful."

As reported by the Gospel Herald, the terror attack on April 2, 2015, was carried out by Islamic extremists associated with Somalia's al-Shabaab organization. After storming the college, the militants separated Christian and Muslim students before killing as many as 148 people in the 15-hour massacre.

Speaking to Religion News Service, Roman Catholic Bishop Joseph Alessandro of the Garissa Diocese praised the re-opening of the university, but lamented that the majority of the Christian students "are still scared" and will not return to their studies.

Garissa University College is located in a predominantly Muslim area just...

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