In Memoriam

In Memoriam

On Sunday January 2, 2011 police officer Robert McElrath was cold-bloodedly slain at Devil's Corral. His wife and her boyfriend were arrested last Thursday, after an intensive police investigation and are in custody without bail. Officer McElrath leaves behind his grieving children, parents and other family members, as well as his colleagues at the Susanville Police Department.

This crime has caused a lot of reaction in Susanville during the past two weeks. The victim and the two people arrested were known by many of us, and depending on our relationships with them, we reacted with disbelief, shock, pain, and hurt that this kind of thing could happen in our community.

Many of us are going through a grieving process right now. Many of us knew Officer Robbie personally and are in turmoil and pain as we experience the loss of a faithful guardian of the peace, as well as a friend. The loss of someone important or close to us will leave a gap in our lives. Nothing we can do will fill that hole. Robert McElrath has passed from this life into the arms of Jesus, and we will see him no more, till we too go to meet our Maker.

Some of us knew either Officer McElrath's wife Joanna, or her boyfriend Robin. They are facing serious charges which could entail the death penalty. If we knew them as friends, we may find it hard to believe what has happened. The emotional turmoil we experience is a result of another death, the death of our previous relationship with the accused, which will never be the same again.

Whatever we are going through right now, Jesus says to us "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" - Matthew 11:28. The only way we can find peace in a situation like this is to bring it to the foot of the Cross. It is the hope of the resurrection that gives the Christian comfort - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

We pray for Susanville, that people will turn to the Lord for comfort, clarity and compassion. We pray that the Lord would provide solace for Officer McElrath's family. And we pray that the perpetrators of this horrific crime would find repentance and turn to the Lord.

May the peace of Christ be with you as you wrestle through this time of mourning.