Reports of Bothan Shem Jean aged 26 years, who was an accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers was shot dead in his home, apartment. The Harding University graduate was confronted by an off-duty police officer, with four years experience Ms Amber Guyger, who entered his apartment on the Thursday after a 14-hour shift, which she had mistaken to be her own home. While the details of the altercation are unknown the outcome was a blow was delivered to Mr Jean’s family along with the bullet discharged, which resulted in the death of Mr Jean.
Mr Botham Shem Jean was a devout Christian, and just the week before was captured leading worship at church, unbeknown to him that the following week he would be the victim of a violent altercation. He was a worship leader and Youth Pastor at Dallas West Church of Christ.
Botham, who originated from St Lucia, came to Dallas, Arkansas, USA on the aspirations of becoming St Lucia’s next President.
Botham’s funeral took place on Thursday 13th October 2018, at a packed to capacity church, where the slain young man’s life was celebrated and eulogised, with 1500 mourners. On the same day Police insensitively released details of alleged marijuana found in Jean’s apartment at the time of his killing. This is being strongly disputed by Mr Jean’s family.
In this life, we are required to be on spiritual standby at all times, as we are unable to determine our tomorrow today. Therefore, we need to be fully equipped, prepared and ready in Christ for whatever calamities may unexpectedly confront us.
As Christian believers we live in hope, however, we are not ignorant of the disappointments this life brings, with all its injustices. St Paul reminds us, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” 1 Corinthians 15:19
It does not take courage to kill. It takes courage to live. ~ Renee Ahdieh
Let us pray for the family of Bothan Shem Jean and also those individuals and families across the world who constantly face injustice.
