On March 15, 2019, New Zealand faced its darkest day when a terror attack claimed 50 lives and injured 50 more at two Christchurch mosques. The Australian-born perpetrator live-streamed the 36-minute rampage on social media, targeting the Masjid Al Noor mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre.

The attack shocked the nation, particularly because New Zealand ranks as the world's second safest country. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called it an "extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence," while Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel described it as "a bolt from the blue."

The perpetrator's manifesto revealed white supremacist motivations and an intention to "create an atmosphere of fear" and prove that "nowhere in the world is safe." This incident prompted New Zealand's first-ever high security threat level, with nationwide mosque closures and event cancellations.

The root of such violence traces back to mankind's earliest history. Biblical accounts describe how Satan, originally a perfect angel, became corrupted by pride and introduced violence to humanity through Cain. This pattern of hatred and violence continues today through various forms of extremism.

Hope exists in the promise of peace through following God's laws. While these laws may not prevent all violence today, they offer guidance toward a more peaceful existence. The Bible prophesies a future time when Christ's return will establish universal peace, ending all hatred and violence.

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