Comments on story "Student Presumed Drowned in South African Waters"

The following comments are being transferred from the original version of the story.

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By Yamiche (not verified) on 09/02/08 1:01 am
Please join everyone and pray for his safe return.
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By Will Rennie (not verified) on 09/02/08 6:30 am
So I am a different type of artist that yall have never heard
I practice non-violence and don’t say hateful things like the n-word
But the death of those with unfulfilled potential is difficult
Two young hoyas struck down by the sea and a bolt
Of lightning;
I am reminded of how it takes one breath to go from life to death
Recently I have been full of hate, and I hate it
The randomness of life might make you think it is worth it
But that is the beauty of it as well
And I know that those who died young are above us and hell
My thoughts and prayers go out to their families and friends
And hope that time mends;
Their hurt and pain
Now I didn’t know Terrance Davis and wasn’t best friends with Mike Jurist
But their sad untimely ending makes my eyes mist
It reminds me of my own battle with depression
Where I was thinking daily of jumping off a bridge and ending it all
With one quick painless fall
But the only thing that kept me going was hope
Hope for something better, the belief that I can do some real good.
So whether the good die young in the jungle, burbs, or hood
Let’s honor them from this moment forward
With our words, actions, minds, bodies, and souls.
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By Ellie Gunderson (not verified) on 09/02/08 8:03 am
Just wanted to say thank you for writing such a beautiful article about Terrance. The entire thing was completely true. Right now the search for his body continues but as I'm sure you all know, he is presumed dead. Please continue to pray for his family because they really need all the prayers they can get right now. I love you all so much and thank you so much for all of the prayers and support.
Ellie
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By Monica Harris (not verified) on 09/02/08 11:57 am
I just want to say THANX,to everyone for their outreach of prayers, and concern. Terrance,was a wonderful young man. He graduated with my daughter(Sharde') here in Osceola 2006. We all love and are going to miss him if that be the case. But, in the meantime we are hopeful for his family's sake, for we know that the God we serve is able to do all things if it is his will. My heart truely aches for his mother and the entire family. Also, for his schoolmates. They had a close bond in their class. Words can not express our heartfelt sympathy in Osceola.
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By Mwamba (not verified) on 09/02/08 12:42 pm
terence lived in the same Residence as I, here in Cape Town. I first met him in the laundry room with a female friend of his. They were a jolly couple. I didn't talk to them but just watched them aas they went about their laundry, laughing, talking and just having a good time. I couldn't help but smile. I later found him there alone and we just made small talk.He is a friendly and polite guy, and he loved to laugh.As I constantly came in to check on my clothes, I could hear him sing as I approuched, I don't know if he was aware that he could be heard a distance off. Needless to say, Im not surprised he was part of a choir and has a passion for music. From then on I would say hi whenever I met him. I would see him often on campus with the same friend I met in the laundry room, they are always cheerful. today, we were informed by our warden about what had happened and a prayer was offered. We all kept wondering who it is. I was shocked when I saw the picture with this article. He was the only exchange student I ever had a conversation with although brief. his laughter still rings in my head.
Im keeping him in my prayers and am praying and hoping for the best. Im also praying for strength and hope for his family and friends. God bless and be with you all.
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By Rev. LaKendra Hardware (not verified) on 09/02/08 1:10 pm
Thank you for giving me a piece of Terrance right here in Ohio. Having met Terrance practically his first day at the university as a Community Scholar living in Copley (where I was a Chaplain-in-Residence at the time), I saw what wonderful potential he brought to us on the hilltop. Hearing all that he's done in only a couple years at Georgetown, I know it's his passion, love and faith that fill us all with hope even now.
I encourage us all to speak life and love daily to all persons around us and to keep faith, even in the midst of doubt, anger and confusion. We bless God for Terrance and for sharing in his life. I know I will treasure eternally those wonderful conversations we shared that summer as I began to learn just who this magnificent little creature with the humongous spirit and heart was. I am forever changed by his presence and pouring into my life.
Stay encouraged, Georgetown family and live love daily!
Blessings,
Rev. LaKendra Hardware
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By veronica clayton (not verified) on 09/02/08 1:38 pm
I am sending out this heart felt sympathy to each and everyone who Terrance had touched. My heart is also aching in this time of sorrow. I personally knew Terrance as well. I was introduced to Terrance through the hallways of Osceola Junior High School. I was an Instructional Assistant and he was around 12 or 13. As Terrance matured and went on to Osceola High School, every time he would see me he would always give me his signature hug. His smiled just brighten whomever he came in contact with. Terrance had Christ written all over him. In his way of walk, his talk, and his whole personality just speaks Christ all over him.
As the post stated earlier, "God and only God is able to do all things."
I will continue to pray for his family and friends because I know through prayer there is strength and comfort.
GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!!
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By Kerry Burke (not verified) on 09/02/08 1:56 pm
People like Terrance are few and far between. I was never introduced to him, we never had a class together, and we never hung out one on one. But I'll never forget riding with him on the elevator in Lauinger last year when he talked to me as if we were close friends. He spoke with such an outpouring of love to someone he had never met...and that is such a gift. Terrance could light up the darkest room and the first time we met, I couldn't help but smile for the rest of the night. I will never forget his smile, his enthusiasm, and his rare gift of sharing love and happiness with anyone and everyone. What an amazing person. Love you Terrance...

all prayers are with terrance family.let's keep praying for him and his family GOD has the final say so. keeping everyone in my prayers especially his father,mother and his sister

My name is Sandra Jordan , my son Broderick , Terrance and about 2 other of there classmates came together when they was in the 6 grade to start a singing group. This is one of my most remember times I have of him. To his mama look to the hills which cometh your help your help is in the Lord, He said ,This too shall pass

Be Bless

I want to send my love and condolences to Terrance's family and all of us that concerned him a friend. I taught Terrance at Osceola High School his senior year. We learned AP Calculus together. I was the teacher but it was my first year to teach the subject. I remember Terrance going to the board and working a problem. I would tell him if he planned on teaching math and at that time that is what he told me he was thinking about doing, he needed to write straight across the board. We would laugh at the problems he put on the board. They would be at an angle. He would laugh when he would back up and see what he wrote. He was and always will be an outstanding young man. When I found out this morning about this tragic situation, I walked in my classroom and looked at the picture of him that I kept up in my room. He is such a special man. Words can not express how special he is. God be with all of us and especially his mother. We will live for Terrance and be a person he wouod have us to be. May God and Terrance watch over all of us. We love you!!!!

I would like to send up my prayers for Terrance and his family. I also want to thank God for allowing me to meet Terrance. We are both graduates of Osceola HS, but while we were in school we were aquainted but not really close (he was a senior and I a sophomore). This past year we started getting close when I started looking towards attending Howard University. I came to visit DC and him and he really encouraged me to apply to Howard. I respected him for continuing his education so far away from home, even though he is definitely a people person. Terrance was the friendliest, cheerful, God-fearing man I've met. As I was reading the article I remembered him telling me about his famous hugs (followed by him giving me one). I was soo excited and proud of him for getting to study abroad in South Africa. We talked about the things we could do in DC when he got back. Lord knows I'm still waiting on that day. He may be presumed dead but I'm praying God is keeping him and he will be found soon. Love you Terrance!

Sis. Darlene Rodgers (Osceola, Arkansas 72370

09/02/2008

I (Darlene Rodgers) was sadden to hear of Terrence Davis.
I will trully miss him very much. I love you Terrence.
You (Terrence Davis) will always be remembered.
Lord, Terrence Davis is gone, but his Mom, Dad, Grandma Gloria
and other family members are still alive. Terrence, your family
will always remember you, and we will remember too!

Now, we as God's peoples, Christians must remember your family
as well, by doing our tasks in assisting them with love, other
wants, needs that your (Terrence) family desires.

God Bless,
Alehuia, in the name of Jesus.

Sis. Rodgers (Osceola, AR. 72370)

As a member of the Osceola High School Faculty and a friend of the family, I must say we were devastated when we heard the news about Terrance. Terrance touched all of our lives here. We saw him grow and mature to the wonderful and wise young man that graced your campus. He began his wonderful path here at Osceola High, and for that, we are proud. He made us proud when he received his ACT scores, we were proud when he was accepted to Georgetown, and we were so proud on graduation night when he received a great number of local scholarships. Terrance returned each year to high school with his signature hug and kind words. He was always looking for ways to achieve the high goals he set for himself. It is tragic that we have lost one so young, but we know he really isn't lost: he is with Jesus!

We are asking everyone not to mourn for Terrance, but to support his family, classmates and many friends. We should all take a lesson from Terrance and fill our time loving God and each other, living life to the fullest, and telling those we care for the most how much we love them.

-"We will love you now and ever, as the years go by."
(Osceola High School Alma Mater)

terrence will surely be missed. i had a history class with terrence when he was a senior and i was a junior. i never saw him have a sad face. he was always happy and upbeat. he truly was a great person. he was always full of energy. he inspired me to continue with my education when he came back to osceola high school during his freshman year at georgetown to speak to the seniors about his experiences at georgetown. terrence might not be here with us but the Lord has gain a great servant in terrence.keep his family in prayer during their time of sorrow.

My prayers are with each of you as we reflect on the life of Terrance. Such a wonderful person that God hand picked to lead a life full of hope and promise. He "is" the prime example of living the life you preach about everyday. In the midst of all that is going on, take joy in knowing that Terrance is in his Master's care. To the family, keep hope alive because no matter what the case may be, God has the very last "SAY SO".

hello my name is jessica Mccadney i'm 16yrs old me and Terrence song in our high school gospel choir called one accord we all had times when we would just watch terrence praise god and i love all of his power.He always use to come over our house when he was on brake for college to visit me and my sister Crystal one of his best friend in Osceola Arkansas we always laughed and joked around and he would always run and give you a hug that was meant for you.I just want to say Luv U my Choir Member and i hope god will led us in a path to find you soon!!!!! Love you from your One Accord memebers
Jessica,Crystal,Reco,Darrius,Constance,Derika,Terricka,Jalisha,
Ryneisha,and others We will keep your famly in prayers...

Mr Davis, What can I say about Mr Terrance Davis? He has and always will be an inspiration to all. I met Mr. Davis his 10th grade year as he entered the Upward Bound Program at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR. He was the loudest, busiest student in the bunch. He greeted us early on with hugs and laughter. He was a very determined young man. From day one he mentioned studying at Georgetown and we encouraged him to hold on to that dream but also look close to home due to out of state tuition. He said NO, I know where I'm going and I know I'm going to get there. With God all things are possible....He loved to remind us of the Lord. Always singing and quoting scriptures. I'm SOOOO Proud of him and all he has accomplished. He lived a very good life and proved alot to those who didn't believe. I just can't believe this has happened to such a promising young man but GOD has something better in store for him and we have to believe that. I will always have you in my heart Terrance and your legacy will forever live on. You will be greatly missed but I know you'll always be smiling down on us.

Love you,
Mrs. Carlisa

God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, and because I wholeheartedly believe that...
I am asking God to strengthen the family (most importantly) and friends of Terrance Davis; as we all need to feel God's presence, especially in times such as this.
I met Terrance while serving as the youth leader in our church at Pleasant Grove and even then, there was no question about his sincere desire to serve God. From a young boy tagging behind me in the church choir, to the young man we all watched him grow into...TERRANCE STOOD TALL FOR GOD!
"Genuine" in his love for God, he chose to share all he had with those around him...compassion, the gift of song, leadership and the spirit of true worship, are just a few of his outstanding characteristics. We can all agree that Terrance impacted our lives in the most positive way, and helped many to understand just what living was and is all about. A very bright young man-in all aspects, Terrance understood the importance of letting his light shine before a darkened world...not that he would earn fame, but that God in heaven would be glorified.
I am blessed to read the comments of so many willing to share how Terrance touched their lives and I say to Trala and the rest of the family "THANK YOU" for your willingness to share him with us- the world.
In a final say, I would like to mention a portion of the message from Terrance's voicemail… reminding us- in his own way, of the assurance he has in the awesome God he serves
..."Everything happens for a reason and "ALL" things work for the good".
Let's remember that God is still in control and that He can and will bring peace and comfort to us all. I love ya, Terrance.
Melissa Jackson

As the parent of another CIEE student from USC studying in Capetown, my heart and prayers go out to Terrence's family.

Ms. Sandra reading your post made me smile. I remember it like it was yesterday having rehearsal in your living room! I wish that I can go back. Just one more time to tell Terrance, "you know that ain't yo note," those really were the days. I can't believe we're grown and he's not here at the moment. I am thinking about Lazzerus and Jonah, so I am still hoping that Terrance is gonna come back.

I am one of many cousins that Terrance have and I am so proud to be related to such a "WONDERFUL and GLORIOUS YOUNG MAN". I always knew that he was a very special person to the family, but it's a joy to see that he was willingly and so proudly able to reach-out beyond his intermediate family and touch so many hearts.

Terrance, you will always be with us and no matter what happens, I will always love and remember you with the upmost Respect and Honor!!

Love Your Cousin
Nasa (St. Petersburg, FL)

I can remember Terrance as a little boy, coming to his father's church for Easter and Christmas programs. His mother would sit quietly in the congregation as he would stand tall and say his speeches loudly and clearly. As the years passed, Terrance would come and sing -- still standing tall. You could see the passion in his eyes and hear it in his voice as he would sing praises to God. Moments like those are the ones we should hold on to in an effort to sustain us during this time. Prayers will continually be extended to his family and friends.

Wow, I was a little late on hearing of Terrance, but I'm deeply saddened but the events. I know and have closure because of this that Terrance a true God fearing man of God is took care of no matter what. I shared a fair amount of classes with him in high school, and I remember his very joyful spirit and personality. He was always looking and pressing to his goals he set, and was not willingly to allow anyone to tell him he couldn't accomplish them. Terrance you impacted us in more ways than you imagine. Love you and thanks for the memories and being a faithful ambassador of Christ.

Words cannot express how much sadness I have in my heart, since the incident. Terrance was such a inspiration to everyone he met, we last talked in Osceola,AK for The family Reunion. This first time I met him he said hello Cousin and give me a big hug.I will miss talking with him and listening to him sing.He was so excited about this trip & so was I. We need to celebrate his life and live as he did a Christian. May GOD continue to bless his Family.
Love,
Angel,Derek and Kayla Thomas

I want to say thanks to everybody,for their love and support. We really do appreciate it. I am Terrance Davis 2nd cousing, and yes we're very close. I feel that there is still hope for my cousin. I pray everyday and night for my family and everybody that suffer with us. I refuse to give up on my cousin or myself. Still I stand knowing there's a God out there that holds my cousin close to him.
Love Reina.

Note to the reporter: I think the city is east of Cape Town, not west.

My son, Adam Wilson is a friend of Terrance. I met Terrance briefly during one of my visits on campus. He was my son's mentor. I didn't know him well but my son did and he speaks very highly of him. When my son told me about the accident, I was very hurt. Everyone please pray for the family for comfort. GOD does have the last say so in everything. Terrance will be okay because he was an ambassador for the LORD. I experienced one of those hugs from Terrance. To all of his fellow students, ask for help if you need it to get through this and do what works best for you,if it is talking, not talking, crying, singing, whatever it takes. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to his mother and family.
Godspeeed!!

Melissa Wilson

Terrance,
I've tried many times to sit down and write to you, but all my past attempts have been unsuccessful. Honestly I have to get up and leave the room every time I try to think of what to say to keep from crying. Everyday I read the great comments that everyone writes about you, it's great to see how much you are loved. I know that you, niecee, and old bones are all keeping an eye on the family. I just wish you were still here with us. I think about all the times we would hang out at aunt gloria's house when we would come to visit from Burlington, Iowa. Sometimes I just want to scream at the top of my lungs, "Why" Of all of the people in this world, why did it have to be you? Then I remember you saying, "You're not scared, if the Lord wants you, than we should rejoice". I take comfort in the fact that my daughter got to meet you, and that she is a better person for knowing you. Not only her, but everyone you've have ever come in contact with is a better person now. You are being rewarded for living the life you did and for being the great person you are. So go! Be happy, sing your little heart out in heaven, I'm sure I'll be able to hear you. Don't worry about Trala and Aunt Gloria, we've got them and we will take good care of them. I Love you, cuz. You are forever in my heart.
Love,
Tammi

Hello everyone my name is Tamera Day,, and i attend osceola high. I know terrance because we attended high shcool together.. i miss him alot and it seems like a big part of this world is missing because he is missing.. He sparkled me in a magnificant way he always made me smile just seeing him smile. It hurts alot just realizing that he is missing, i am praying to god that they find him and he is in good shape. Jess be with him and his family and the entire class of 2006.

I had the pleasure of meeting Terrance in the fall of 2002 @ the TONE Conference in Jonesboro. Terrance was in my group. At that time, he told us his name was Tyrone. I met him again in the fall of 2003 when he began the Upward Bound Program in Jonesboro, AR. Terrance was a pleasant young man with a humble spirit. I can recall all of the UB Choir(Terrance started this choir)rehearsals. We never wanted Terrance to pray cause his prayers were too long!!..lol! I can remember one prayer when he asked God to bless the sidewalks......lol!! I caught him on facebook a couple of months ago and we chatted about his grades and life in DC. I was so proud to tell people that I knew somebody who was from a little Arkansas town who went to Georgetown.

My heart is deeply saddened by this tragedy! We must realize that God knows whats best! Terrance will always be remembered! Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal!!

Terrence was a light and one of the truly good people that I have met in my lifetime. His love and ZEAL for praising God is inspiring. Anybody who knows him knows his love for music and SINGING (and TALKING :o) ). I've known him for a while, but we were more closely involved while I was his AP Biology tutor and in the Upward Bound Program. It hurts me to know that such a good person has such a tragic story.

My prayers are going out to everyone (especially his family) whose world is a little less bright without someone like him bursting into random song and praise, or making the people around him smile. But I also want to remind everyone to thank God that you did get to know such a great person, even if you don't think he was here long enough.

Remember: There is only one God, and He knows what He's doing up there...

Candice Taylor
Class of Osceola High 04

WOW! I can not believe this. Seriously! I rember him in the Arkansas, jonesboro, Upward Bound program. He was interesting. Always goofing, and smiling, and making poeple, laugh. he was really Something. He was nice and funny, and friendly, when people, hardly was my friend he wa smy friend, even a little.
I even drew his picture once,I thought those was the good and bad times of HighSchool. Even for a program.
I miss him. I have herd anything of him or anymore UB students, for a while.
I could not believe he went to Africa, wow, such bravery.
I really miss him if that is true, that he is dead. It really sucks to lose such a interesting, and beautiful, person in life.

Miss ya terrance

Sis. Darlene Rodgers (Osceola, Arkansas 72370

In loving Memory of Arkansas Resident, Georgetown and Capetown
Student, Terrence Davis.

Terrence would want us to look to the needs of Trala(his mom),
Mrs. Gloria (his granny), his sister (in Luxora) his Dad
and other Family Members and Friends

Please Help me sing!

I need you
You need me
We are all a part of God's Family
Stand with me
Agree with me (Godly)
We are all a part of God's Family

As a Georgetown graduate (B'99) and Arkansas native, I am saddended to hear of the news of Terrence. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

To be honest, when I heard about Terrance, I was like "Who?". But the only reason I asked that question was because we had lost touch and I had not seen nor spoken to him since our last year of school, which was two years ago. Finally, my memory was put back into place and the first thing that filled my mind was his big, wonderful smile. It was his trademark, along with his beautiful spirit and caring heart. We worked together at Sonic, at it was a relief to look at the schedule and see his name, because I knew it was going to be a good day simply because he was there. I do remember a certain moment with him one night at work. I was changing the trash cans and he sitting outside waiting for his mom to come pick him up. He noticed I was upset and he didnt ask any questions, but he did say "Whatever it is, its gonna be okay, Chelsea...now smile cause I dont like you lookin like that!!!" And sure enough a smile was put on my face. Terrance will forever be missed and in our hearts. And to his family, like Terreance told told me...."It's gonna be okay!"..and smile, because it's what he would want you to do.

http://www.local10.com/news/17091359/detail.html

http://cbs4.com/local/drowning.south.africa.2.787516.html

Seraphin Bernard reported missing with the same story in South Africa. He doesn't swim and neither would he enter rough waters.

American college graduate.

INVESTIGATE!!! both Terrence Davis and Seraphin Bernard.

These two are victims of cruel acts.