Christian music provides comfort for shooting victims

IN THE WAKE of the April 20 school shootings in Littleton, Colorado, Billboard magazine are reporting that people are "turning to Christian music for solace". Among the songs getting huge sales response in the Denver area is 'Christ Remains' by Phil Driscoll while other artists being sought out include Amy Grant and Michael W Smith.

The three artists performed before a crowd of 70,000 at a state memorial service on April 25 at Bowles Crossing in Littleton. "No one could have been ready for this week. We have talked about every human emotion there is - grief, anger, blame - to (people coming into the store)," says Wanda Snyder, manager of the Family Christian Store in Sough West Commons Shopping Centre, about eight blocks from Columbine High School, where the shootings occurred. "We want to assist them in any way possible."

Can the hymns help heal?, Billboard magazine asked Dick Fish at Berean Christian Store in Littleton. "Absolutely. I've been listening to them and I just sit here and weep over certain ones. Phil Driscoll has really ministered to me."

However, it is "Friend Of Mine", written by brothers Jonathan and Stephen Cohen, who attend Columbine, and their minister, Andy Millar (Billboard, May 1), that has become an anthem for Littleton. "We just got in 500 copies of 'Friend Of Mine' and they sold out in three hours on Friday afternoon (April 30). We brought in another 400, and we expect them to be gone by tomorrow. I think the initial pressing was abut 10,000," says Cody Dustin, manager at Media Play, Columbine.