YWAM – Did you hear this wake up call?
Posted by rantsampersandmore on June 19, 2008
A little over Six months ago (December 2007) shots rang out over a wintry Colorado sky. Life at YWAM Arvada, in Colorado was forever changed and sadly four innocent people (two died) became victim of a lone gunman (Matthew Murray) who had something to say. Unfortunately, Matthew chose a rather savage and lethal way to get his message across and his resulting actions would also be his last.
YWAM Arvada, just happened to be the YWAM base where Matthew had been associated. YWAM Arvada, subsequently became the object of his built-up wrath. *It could have happened anywhere!
There would be many wounded ex-ywamers out there that on hearing the news of this terrible event, would have immeadiately recognised that the ‘then unknown shooter’ had been ‘abused’ by YWAM at some point in time.
This is a reality, that YWAM should recognise as something that needs to be addressed, that there are many people ‘hurting’ and hurting bad due to their association with YWAM.
By no means do I wish to qualify or endorse the actions taken by Matthew. What happened was terrible for all concerned; YWAM, the victims and their families, Matthew and his family.
Below are some links to some articles written on the for-mentioned subject. They are a worthwhile read…
MATTHEW MURRAY: Toxicity, Online Community, and Religion with a Twist.
Matthew Murray was angry. Matthew Murray had been angry for a long time. On Sunday, Matthew Murray was so angry and so unbendably focused on exacting revenge that he packed up his guns and his ammo and let his anger fly in the direction of 2 Youth with a Mission staffers and two sisters, age 16 and 18, who were unfortunate enough to be in his sights at New Life Church.
His anger didn’t come on suddenly. It smoldered over a very long time… (click on link below for more)
AND…
MATTHEW MURRAY – He is Us.
Matthew Murray. Will his become yet another infamous name like Scott Peterson or Ted Bundy? I have spent the last couple of weeks doing research on Matthew. His postings that led up to the day of the killings at YWAM and at New Life Church in Colorado Springs detail the sad and bitter mind of a young man who somehow got off track along the way and never found his bearings again.When I read his posts my heart breaks.
You see, Matthew is us. Much of what he experienced in the church mirrors that of others… (click on link below for more)
http://tracynunes.blogspot.com/2008/01/matthew-murray-he-is-us.html
YWAM – Were you listening?
racheleire08 said
wow. um. I don’t know you, I stumbled across your site and I am shocked at what you are saying. You have no evidence for anything you are saying whatsoever! So ONE person who was ASSOCIATED With YWAM decides to commit murder in such a cruel and savage way, and you decide to tell the world that its YWAM’s fault because they wounded him? Where is your proof that THEY wounded him? Sure, nobody is perfect. but I suggest do a little more research before you start laying blame on everyone around you, especially programs like YWAM, because things aren’t as you ‘expected’ them to be. You know nothing about the man, and it is not YWAM’s responsibility to to make him a better person and to keep him from doing such things! And did you not even read the articles you are using for your defense? They clearly stated that he came from an abusive family (NOT YWAMS FAULT) and that he was mentally disturbed and depressed. Now i’m guessing you didn’t catch that as you went on to explain how this was YWAMs fault.
try thinking a little clearer before laying the blame on someone else.
rantsampersandmore said
Thank you for your contribution, Rachel.
I am very happy that for you, your YWAM experience has been a positive one. However, for many it has not been all it should have been, and there are many ‘wounded’ ex-Ywamers out there.
I know, what it is to be Y’Whammed’ and I know that Matthew, ‘could have’ Repeat… ‘Could Have’ been, also!
Both articles mentioned in this blog, indicate that Matthew Murray had deep resentment and bitterness toward YWAM for the way He ‘percieved’ he had been treated.
Subsequent to his YWAM exposure, Matthew ‘took on’ more ‘offenses’ from other sources, which only added to his anger and resentment toward Christians, in general.
At no point have I said, that YWAM were to blame, for His actions. Just as no one could suppose or even ‘guess’ as to why, Matthew chose this path, or why YWAM was a ‘target’? that will forever remain a mystery.
YWAM has at no point (that I am aware) acknowledged publically, that ‘just maybe’ Matthew had issues with them.
*** One of the reasons people that have been Y’Whammed’ continue to struggle with their YWAM past is that, YWAM says nothing, does nothing. In turn it all stacks up, to feel like ‘you are a nothing’.
If you were to take the time to read other articles in this blog and check out the ‘other links’ provided, you will find a plethora of information pointing to some seriously wrong ‘issues’ within YWAM, (not all bases, not all YWAMers).
There is no excuse for Matthews actions! I do not condone what he did. Nor, do I condone the ‘abuse’ that some within YWAM have perpetrated in their zealotry as YWAM leaders.
Hope this helps.