He was a normal child on his way to school. He had aspirations of a bright future and lived each day working towards his dreams – that are now never to be. A Christian, yes! A child, yes! A senseless loss, yes! Another knife crime, yes!

For the past few weeks, I have closely followed the news of the killing of Daniel Anjorin, the 14-year-old schoolboy, killed in Northeast London. The grief of his death has reverberated around the country and beyond. 

In the early hours of Tuesday 30 April, young Daniel Anjorin was on his way to school when his life was devastatingly brought to an end. He never returned home to his family. Daniel’s death is a stark reminder of the harrowing impact of violence on our youth and families in our nation. His death highlights the urgent need for unity, compassion and a co-operative, decisive call to act.

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As I work with young adult leaders within the evangelical community, I am deeply saddened and troubled by this tragic death but amidst the grief, is the wake-up call of what needs to be done in solidarity with our leaders, churches and the government to curb these heart-breaking incidents from happening to families in our nation. After all, we are called to be our brothers’ keepers and to love our neighbours as ourselves.

"As evangelicals, we are called to be agents of love, hope, and transformation in this broken world. “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10)."

In the face of tragedy, we need to unite in solidarity, offer support, comfort, and practical assistance to those affected by untimely deaths. Our condolences and prayers must be extended to grieving families, friends, and loved ones, standing alongside them in their time of mourning and beyond. Daniel was laid to rest on Friday, 17 May, but this is just the start of a new journey for his family and friends, who seek justice over his life being cut prematurely short. May his family be comforted with these scriptures:

  • “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17 – 18).
  • “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
  • “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

What we must refrain from, is remaining passive onlookers and bystanders in the face of this escalating violence in our communities. Justice must be served, and offenders need to take ownership of their acts or omissions. I call upon all to be prepared to actively engage with church leaders, local authorities, community leaders, and stakeholders to advocate for new policies and initiatives that can adequately address the underlying issues contributing to access to weapons, their use, knife crime and mental health. 

As part of our response to these seemingly increasing tragedies, creating awareness through early childhood education will help to inform children at their early developmental stage:

  • We must invest in programs and resources that provide young people with positive outlets for their energy and creativity.
  • Equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges.
  • Empower them to choose tolerance through love against resorting to violence.

Additionally, we must engage in honest conversations about the role of faith and spirituality in promoting peace, reconciliation, and justice in our society. As believers, we are called to be ambassadors of Christ’s message of love and forgiveness, reaching out to those who are hurting and broken, and offering them the hope and healing found in the gospel. 

Finally, Isaiah 41:10, reminds us, ​“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Prayer

  • I beseech the Lord, may this tragedy ignite a renewed sense of compassion and resolve within our hearts, inspiring us to work together towards building a more peaceful and just society for all.
  • May the memory of Daniel Anjorin and his legacy be one of love, unity and experiential positive change.
  • May we honour his life by committing ourselves to the pursuit of justice and the promotion of peace in our communities, both now and in the days to come. Amen.