Photo from FBC website
In light of the tragic death of Rev. Fred Winters of First Baptist Church in Maryville, IL, it is hard to believe we have come to a point in this world where people are being gunned down in churches. Even though this is not the first time a gunman entered into a church wanting to kill people, it is just sad that a place where people come to hear the message of hope, is turned into a place of horror for a brief moment.
This will be a difficult time for the members, but most of all for his family. He left behind a wife and two daughters. I can’t even imagine what they are going through and the thoughts that are running through their minds. It is my prayer that not only will God comfort them but God would give them His perspective in this whole situation (Ro 8:28).
I first heard about the news when I was sitting in the back of our Sunday Celebration and one of the pastors showed me a CNN alert on his phone. I was stunned.
It was another fresh reminder that life is short and we just do not know when the Lord will call us home. It is my prayer that whenever my time is up, that I would be found faithful and doing what God has called me to do – this would be the best way to meet the Savior face-to-face.