On July 22, 2011, Norway was forever changed. In the city of Oslo, one hour from where we lived, and on an island we could see from our house, one evil man perpetuated the worst peacetime attack Norway has ever seen. Just a few miles away from our peaceful home in the country, he brutally murdered more than 70 young people. As if he were playing a violent video game, he walked around on the small island where they were camping and shot one after another.

The sorrow in Norway after this event can practically be felt in the air. By the hundreds of thousands, people met in the streets in cities around the country, carrying roses and sharing in sorrow for those who lost their lives. Many tears have been shed, and even those of us who are not truly Norwegian feel solidarity with this little country that is uniting around sorrow rather than hate or revenge. One day, I was personally overwhelmed by the sadness of the situation and found myself sobbing for several minutes.

When the illusions of security are swept away and our eyes are opened to the reality of what evil exists in this world, it is natural for our hearts to long for heaven and true peace. Some have pointed to this act of terror as proof that Jesus is coming back soon. I have rather chosen to believe that, while such violent episodes are signs of the times in which we live, they are not proof that the end is imminent. Horrible atrocities have been taking place for many years, and Paul tells us that “evil men . . . will become worse and worse.” Only one event will bring about the end of the world. Only the carrying of the Gospel to the whole world will signal the imminent end of evil and suffering here on earth.

In the aftermath of this brutal attack on Norway, we are recommitting to the task before us, to do what we can to speed the return of Jesus. We want to go to heaven where such things will never happen again.

As you read this, we will have arrived in Benin to begin doing our part to hasten that wonderful day.

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