Published on March 10, 2024, 2:43 am

Image source: Fox News

The father of a theology student, who was tragically murdered on a private Christian University campus in Kentucky, has publically expressed forgiveness amid the heartwrenching news. 18-year-old Josiah Kilman, an aspiring theologian and wrestler at Campbellsville University, lost his life last month in what has now been confirmed as strangulation carried out by a fellow student.

In the wake of this devastating event, Josiah’s father addressed the university during a live chapel service held to remember his son’s life. Fostering forgiveness and echoing Christian worldview values under such circumstances occurred at an emotional gathering last Wednesday.

The participating students were invited to reveal their current feelings, with replies ranging from “anger”, “sadness”, “frustration” to “unforgiveness”. Joe Kilman empathized with these emotions, confessing that he had juggled them all simultaneously since receiving the heartbreaking call about Josiah’s murder. The tragic real news tale saw onlookers express their sympathies and condolences for Josiah’s family, friends, and class fellows.

Emphasising on the choice humans have over their reactions, Joe Kilman highlighted: “Emotions are one thing. We have choices in life. Forgiveness is something I didn’t hear because it’s not an emotion — it’s a choice”.

The solemn father urged students to opt for forgiveness because it represents Jesus’s light in our lives. He shared that if his son were present then, he’d preach about forgiveness too—”Unforgiveness brings upon a curse comprising elements we neither want nor need”.

Josiah Kilman was declared dead at Taylor Regional Hospital on February 24th following which Charles Escalera aged 21 was arrested and charged for the crime. Escalera confessed openly in court recently about ending Kilman’s life; investigators are working around a theory that cafeteria confrontation seeded the fatal event.

Recalling Josiah’s young life, the university’s athletic admissions counselor Travis McIntosh reflected that Josiah was a personification of light and his only aim was spreading Gospel and leading people toward Jesus Christ. His impactful existence has influenced many whose hearts are now broken with this tragic misfortune.

Campbellsville University’s president, Joseph Hopkins echoed these sentiments about Josiah, acknowledging him to be a ‘bright light’ and ‘a source of incredible hope’. Hopkins praised his faith for being contagious throughout the campus and took solace in the fact that he is now with his Lord and Savior.

To assist the Kilman family during this hardship, a GoFundMe page was set up which has raised about $75,000 till Saturday. The funds will be utilized to support funeral costs including transporting Josiah’s body home. This unfortunate event serves as a grim reminder of life’s fragility but also champions forgiveness—ensuring that readers have access to trusted news sources delivering real human stories steeped in truth.