CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- t has been seven years since I first came to the free land, the United States of America. In the past seven years, I have seen several exciting and thrilling things.

 I have also watched several horrifying scenes. Regardless, I know one thing about this country. I know America is a great country where civil and private rights are protected and rule of law prevails and is respected.

I have lived in this great country for years enjoying these rights and privileges. In the meantime, regardless of the country's law, people who violate one country's rules and regulation will get punished, and the purpose of the punishment is to deter or incapacitate civil wrongdoers from committing future wrongs or to prevent others from committing wrongs through anticipation of similar punishment.

One thing that I do not know and never understand is, why little children who live by the grace of God get punished?

For me, the elementary school shooting is one of the most horrifying scenes that I have ever watched in my life. I have asked dozens of questions for myself and the community. As I am from the Christian nation of Ethiopia, I don't believe in guns at all! Now, I have been told and believed that the USA is a Christian nation that trusts in God. What I do not understand is why We The People trust in guns rather in God.

How many of us who consider ourselves Christians carry guns for protection? I know that the connection between shooting skills and survival among rural American men was in many cases a rite of passage for those entering manhood.

I don't think Americans have the same belief as those closed minded developing country leaders, who believe gun and bullets are the only solution whatever the situation.

I am asking people who consider themselves a pastor. I am asking people who consider themselves a Christian. I am asking the nation who believes in human rights. Please let's stop carrying a gun. Let's ban guns in the civil society for the society.

A gun is only for the military or police officers who protect the nation from any domestic and foreign enemies. Our society's belief must change into optimistic and resolve any problems we have in peace, rather than with guns.

Let's stop believing in guns! Let's teach our kids to  carry a Bible rather guns.

Aseffa, originally from Ethiopia, is a graduate research assistant at Marshall University.