Over 1,500 people gathered on December 12, 2007 at Faith Bible Chapel in Arvada, Colorado, to celebrate the lives of Tiffany Johnson and Philip Crouse, both killed in a tragic shooting four days earlier. Peter Warren, Director of YWAM Denver, said his two staff members embodied the spirit of YWAM with a gladness and joy to serve others. He also said we should not blame God for this tragedy, but we should honor Him even though we don't understand it. Philip and Tiffany were then celebrated with individual tributes by family and friends.

Philip's pastor, Zach Chandler, traveled from Alaska to take part in the service. He described Philip as a passionate young man who, once he dedicated his life to Jesus, wanted everyone in the world to get what he had found. He said a reporter had asked him if there was one last thing he could say to Phil, what would it be? Easy. "Well done good and faithful servant." Friends then described an amazing young man willing to help others in any way he could, especially through construction and carpentry projects.

The overwhelming description of Tiffany was that she loved people. Jessica Warren said people were attracted to Tiffany because she believed it is our job to accept and love them. A YWAM friend described Tiffany as patient and someone who loved to help others, persevering in difficult circumstances and full of laughter. The members of Tiffany's family then took the stage to extend forgiveness to Matthew Murphy's family. Matthew killed the two YWAM staff plus two others at New Life Church in Colorado Springs before taking his own life. Tiffany's family said Matthew's family had done nothing wrong. The two families met together after the service. Tiffany's mother encouraged YWAM Denver to press on and go forward in the mission God has called them to.

Peter Warren shared that YWAM's founder, Loren Cunningham, called before the service to extend a message of thanks to both Tiffany and Phil for their investment in the kingdom of God, reminding everyone that what is invested eternally is never lost.

Barbara O'Brien, Lt. Governor of Colorado, shared briefly, stating "We weep with you."

After a time of worship, Rev. George Morrison of Faith Bible Chapel spoke, followed by Tom Hallas, YWAM's Asia-Pacific Field Director. After acknowledging that the service was to honor the high value and standard that Tiffany and Philip embraced, Hallas called the gathering to affirm the truth and reality of their faith.

The celebration service ended in worship, with a song that embodied the lives of Tiffany Johnson and Philip Crouse: "Falling on my knees in worship, giving all I am to seek your face, Lord all I have is yours."

-- To view a 14-minute excerpt of the Memorial Service, click here.
-- To view a statement by Dean Sherman (a popular YWAM speaker), click here

Memorial funds have been set up to honor the victims and support their families through this time. Donations by check can be made out to Youth With A Mission and sent to: Youth With A Mission Denver, 12750 West 63rd Avenue, Arvada, CO, 80004 USA. Please designate your gift to one of the following funds: Victims Assistance Fund; Phil and Tiffany Memorial Scholarship Fund (to support students attending YWAM schools in Denver); or YWAM Denver Emergency Fund.