From the motherland of Africa, I aspire to change the world for the better. I have a bold ambition that comes in with a gun pointed at my head. I am long away from home; I have come from the land that took the life of MJ Sharp. He is a man I have never met, but for whom I have so much respect. His dream was to bring peace in the tumultuous land of my ancestors—a nation that he cherished more than some natives, which is unbelievable. His murder, while a loss for many, was also a victory for peace and justice. The world and the natives of my land will be forever grateful for his work.

After college, many students aspire to change the world one stone at a time. They are driven by a burning desire and inspired by God and the heavens to make the earth a better place so that anyone, anywhere in the world, can take advantage of it. Serving others is such a tremendous, self-given mission that unfortunately not many have the chance to accomplish it. The hardship of life, the reality of paying bills each month, overwhelmingly becomes a burden that requires full attention. If love is what we all ought to embrace, we must start with self-care before anything else.

However, there is always an exception that confirms the rule of self-care. Sharp’s memories still live on as long as we proudly and fearlessly carry the torches of hope, peace, and justice. In the flames of those three bedrock missions transpire the work and dedication of Sharp.

I can’t speak to the rest of his journey, for the afterlife remains one of the most secure secrets of all time. Nobody made of flesh and blood knows what is waiting for them on the other side.

What we know, however, is that death is a far longer journey than life, the likes of which we are probably not prepared for, regardless of what we internally believe to be the opposite. What we also know is that in that journey, we are not alone, for Christ died before us so we can be saved. As Christians, we sign up for our death and resurrection the day we embrace the message of Christ. We sign up for our own persecution the day we decide to bring peace in war zones, war zones that the world and the mainstream media have swept under the rug due to political agendas.

The savior was crucified by the system that He tried to change—a system that had once been representative of God’s love and unlimited grace. By vesting that image of Christ, we have exposed ourselves to forces that, day in and day out, seek absolute injustice, sufferings, the bloodshed of newborns and unborn ones, and instill hopelessness into the eyes of a child. We have become targets under the close lenses of heaven. I rest assured at this image because the Holy Spirit has been with us ever since Christ’s ascension to Heaven. I have full confidence in Sharp’s next journey with Christ, for his soul still lives on in the flames of hope, justice, and peace.

Our fight against injustice and suffering will lead us to an afterlife that will be reflective of Christ’s promise. Everything that we do needs to move us toward a better world—a world that we will be proud to leave to our children; a world that inspires people to sign up for the MJ Dream Hike in memory of Sharp and many other events that continue the fight that Sharp and so many others before him fought with a smile on their faces.

Faith in a better world has elicited so much hope in the peacemakers that I know of; it is a driven force that rests on God’s love and promises to always be with us until the end. John 14 is among the verses that forever will console my soul, and keep the burning bush of hope alive.

John 14:15-17 says, “‘If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.’”

*Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan. ccom The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™