More than 250 people assembled for a student-led candlelight vigil and a balloon release on the Gibbs-Green Memorial Plaza to pray and mourn with the family of Benjamin O. Sabine, 23, who passed away suddenly this week on JSU’s campus.
Student Government Association (SGA) President Kendall Bunch, said, “Benjamin was a part of our Tiger family, and anytime we lose a member we’re here for the family 100 percent.”
Sammy Sabine, father of Benjamin, said, “I was praying that Benjamin’s death would not be in vain, and I’m convinced that this will be the start for healing for us and the nation. We’re overwhelmed because we have the power of God.”
JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers also attended the memorial ceremony.
She said, “While this is a sad occasion, it’s also a beautiful one to see our students express their compassion and show how they respond to this tragic loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family.”
Lauren Taylor, an SGA member and senior business marketing major who is part of a campus ministry, said she was inspired to plan the event.
“I really wanted to do something for his family. … It was a vision from the Lord. … I’m so blessed that Benjamin’s family came out. They needed this; the students needed this. To God be the glory for a great turnout,”
Benjamin’s mother, Gina Sabine, spoke to the crowd, thanking them for their love and support. Amazed by the size of the turnout, she encouraged all in attendance to hold on to their faith and allow the Lord to direct their path. “We have definitely felt the love, generosity and support of JSU. Despite the situation, I’m trusting that the Lord will turn something great out of this.”
The celebration of life will continue when family and friends gather for a memorial service at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. Visitation will occur before the service at 1 p.m. Saturday at Salem Baptist Church on Learned Road in Raymond, Miss., where memorial contributions may be made to its building fund, or to Global Maritime Ministries’ Van Fund, P.O. Box 750787 in New Orleans.
