Yesterday we woke up on Sunday morning and got ready for church just like any other Sunday. We were running a little bit late (9:38 am) but it was okay because we go to Sunday school first. Little did we know that it would be like no other Sunday and it would change our lives forever. The church is only about 2 miles from our house and as we approached we could see many cop cars in the distance. This did not look good. When we finally made it up to the church the fireman told us that there had been a shooting and that it was now a crime scene. My heart sunk and I went into shock. No, this could not be happening here. We came back home with dread in our hearts and turned on the news to find out anything we could about the shooting. Bonnie called from church to let us know that she was alright and that Pastor Fred had been shot and a couple of other guys stabbed. Later on the news we found out that he had gone to see Jesus.
It is so surreal. I still cannot believe that Pastor Fred will no longer be there to preach sermons to us. I have known him for 22 years. My parents started taking us to First Baptist Church of Maryville in 1987 shortly after he became the Pastor there. He was the one that led me to Christ when I was 11 years old during vacation bible school. He baptised me and he also performed the ceremony for Mike and my wedding. Mike played Axis and Allies on the computer with him and he was going to give Mike a copy of the book that he wrote. I was hoping that he would be the one to baptise my children when the time came. It is just so hard to believe that he is here one moment and then gone the next in such a tragic incident.
If you are reading this, please pray for our congregation and especially for Pastor Fred's wife Cindy and their two daughters. It will be a very hard time for all of us. Mike went to a prayer meeting last night and our childrens pastor told them that he asked Cindy what we could do for her and she looked up, smiled and said that Fred died doing what he loved to do (preaching the gospel).
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2 comments:
My first thought when I heard about the shooting was that this might be your church. We are praying for you guys and all those affected by this tragedy.
Praying for you guys and your church this first Sunday after your loss.
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