Another Church Shooting

The images were all too familiar. A church surrounded by emergency vehicles. Church members in shock. Yellow crime scene tape everywhere. Various interpretations of what happened. Many worshippers thinking it was part of a skit. This time it was First Baptist Church in Maryville, Illinois. Nine and a half years ago, it was Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, my church. Space prohibits lessons learned in the Wedgwood shooting and the book Night of Tragedy Dawning of Light written following the shooting is out of print. However, anyone wishing to read it can download the entire book, with pictures at no cost. There are similarities in the two shootings. One is the oft spoken phrase, “It was just God’s will.” I personally reject that with all my being. You cannot take a violation of the law of God (murder) and suddenly turn it into a fulfillment of the will of God. Why did God allow it? Because God loves us so much we are given a freedom of choice. Some people make bad, evil, sinful choices. When that happens, innocent, good people sometimes suffer. God the Father, who lost His own Son to murder, understands and will comfort His people. As unbelievable as it may be today, God will also work “all things” for good (Romans 8:28), in ways beyond our understanding. Meanwhile, please be sure your church has a plan for what to do in similar situations. In a world gone crazy, these reports will only continue, perhaps intensify. Don’t be unnecessarily reactionary, but be ready. And for the members of First Baptist Church, Maryville, Illinois, pray and keep on praying. Nine and a half years from now they will still need support. Trust me.