It has been a very violent week at American churches. I have given you a heads up for the last year that from now until next year, we will be at a higher risk of danger in American churches. This week I have the video round up of this newsletter that you can watch if you’d like. It is below 👇. Meanwhile, don’t let the bad news get you down. Instead, keep your churches wide open for new followers and do your best to protect your church.
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Boy Shot in Head, Church Hit by Gunfire in Wichita
An 11-year-old boy was shot in the head early Saturday morning inside a home in north Wichita, while an occupied church nearby was also struck by gunfire, according to Wichita police. The boy's injury is considered non-life-threatening, and he was transported to the hospital, though his condition remains unavailable. The shooting occurred at around 12:33 a.m. in the 1400 block of North Lorraine. Multiple shots were fired, and four people inside the church were struck but not injured. No arrests have been made, and police are investigating the incident, including whether the shooter or shooters were on foot or in a vehicle.
The police are not giving out much information regarding this shooting, not even which church was affected. There are two nearby the reported location of the shooting, but it doesn’t look like they are on the same street, so it is a bit confusing without more transparency from law enforcement. With that said, if you receive fire while in your church, move to a position of cover, not concealment. Cover can be brick walls, anything that can stop a bullet, When the shooting stops, lock all church doors and withdraw to the center of the church where it will be harder for bullets to reach. Call 911 and let them know your situation.
Pastor's Home Targeted in Drive-By Shooting in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
The home of Pastor Greg Locke, founder of Global Vision Bible Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, was targeted by gunfire late Tuesday night, with between 30-50 bullets striking the residence, vehicles, and causing some internal damage. The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, and no injuries were reported, although one of Locke’s children was home at the time. The church has faced criticism and vandalism in the past due to its hard stances on social issues, and recently announced plans to relocate. Locke narrowly missed the attack by mere minutes, as suggested by his security footage.
Watch the video breakdown I did above. I list some things that pastors can do to harden their home from an attack like this.
Armed Man in Mental Health Crisis Enters Church in Council Bluffs
An armed man experiencing a mental health crisis entered Holy Ghost Temple Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa, leading to a one-hour standoff with police on Monday. No church services were taking place at the time, and the few people inside were able to leave safely. The man, who was armed with two guns, was eventually taken into custody without any injuries following negotiations with law enforcement. Police have not released his name due to the nature of the incident.
Watch the video above where I detail the event and what you can do if you find yourself in a similar situation.
For more details, you can read the full story here.
Arrest Made in Aloha, OR Church Parking Lot Shootout
A third person has been arrested in connection with a shooting that occurred in the parking lot of Eden Presbyterian Church in Aloha, Oregon, on September 2, 2024. The incident, which took place around 6 a.m., involved gunfire among at least four individuals, resulting in two people being wounded and nearby homes being struck by bullets. Matteo Greene, 21, and a 17-year-old, both from Portland, were previously arrested and charged with second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault. A third suspect, a 21-year-old woman from Portland, was taken into custody on charges of hindering prosecution and tampering with physical evidence. The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests and charges are possible.
There isn’t much a church can do to protect itself when a group decides to shoot it out in your parking lot. People often seek refuge at a church when they are running from a problem, like people trying to kill them or settle a score. Just make sure that you have a 4k video system to help identify threats and suspects and make sure you maintain situational awareness by occasionally looking outside at your surroundings for changes in the area.
Deputy Injured During Arrest of Individual Harassing Church Members in North Carolina
James William Zoll was arrested by Madison County Sheriff's Office deputies after allegedly harassing church members before and during a service in Madison County, North Carolina. During the arrest, Zoll reportedly assaulted a deputy, resulting in injury, and was subsequently charged with assault on a government official, second-degree trespassing, and resisting, delaying, and obstruction. Sheriff Buddy Harwood emphasized that any individuals who interfere with or harass churches and their members will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
Man Stabbed at San Antonio Church Festival, Suspect at Large
A man was stabbed in the face and arm during the 'Divine Providence Parish Festival' at Divine Providence Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas, on the night of September 1, 2024. The incident occurred outside the festival at Pearsall Park, which was being used for overflow parking. The suspect fled the scene on foot, and the victim was transported to the hospital in stable condition. Local councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia expressed concern over the violence at the community event and called for increased security measures. The San Antonio Police Department is currently investigating and urges anyone with information to come forward.
This is the third violent crime at a church festival this summer. If you have a festival, you need to plan for security. Not just because of regular violence, but also to preempt terrorist activity that the FBI and myself has been warning you about for the past year.
SEX CRIMES
Diocese of Scranton Removes Priest After Credible Allegation of Child Molestation
The Diocese of Scranton has removed a priest, aged 65, from ministry after a credible allegation of child molestation dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. The diocese received a report on August 22, 2024, accusing the priest of inappropriate sexual contact with a minor over several years. Following an investigation and a review by the Diocesan Review Board, the diocese deemed the claim credible and suspended the priest from all ministerial duties. The case has been reported to civil authorities, and the diocese has committed to fully cooperating with any law enforcement investigation. The priest, who most recently served at Most Holy Trinity Parish in Susquehanna, had held numerous positions within the diocese over his career. The diocese emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and reiterated its commitment to child protection.
Pedophiles don’t molest just one kid. They have a trail of victims everywhere they have been. If you find that one of your workers/volunteers has committed a heinous act like this after moving on, start an internal investigation to determine if there are any victims at your church (more than likely there are victims there). Be transparent with your process.
Former Gateway Church Employee Charged with Child Molestation
A former Gateway Church member in Frisco, Texas, has been charged with molesting three children under the age of 11 on multiple occasions, according to an arrest warrant affidavit from Howard County, Indiana. The accused, a 65-year-old man, faces two counts of child molestation for incidents that reportedly occurred between 2020 and February 2023, including at a family member's home in Kokomo, Indiana. The church stated that while the man attended Gateway Church, he was never employed by them, and he was asked not to return pending the investigation. A jury trial is scheduled for October 4, 2024. This case follows a series of resignations of church leaders in North Texas, including the founder of Gateway Church, Robert Morris, who stepped down after admitting to past sexual abuse.
This was not a first time offense for this guy. At his age, he will have a trail of victims going back decades. It’s time to determine if he was at your church and start looking into his behavior there.
ARSON
Arson Confirmed as Cause of Waldport Church Fire
Investigators have confirmed that arson was the cause of a fire that damaged Our Savior Lutheran Church in Waldport, Oregon, on August 12, 2024. The fire began around 6 a.m., and was first detected by a fire alarm in the church sanctuary. Fire crews from Seal Rock Fire District, along with mutual aid from nearby departments, contained the blaze within 10 minutes, but the structure suffered significant damage, particularly on the west side where church offices were located. Investigators determined multiple ignition points outside the building, suggesting the use of an accelerant. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Church services are temporarily being held at alternate locations as the community recovers from this incident.
Score one for churches with fire alarms!!! Each week I warn you that you should have gotten a fire/burglar alarm and a 4K video system. Kudos to the Lutheran Church in Waldport for heeding that warning! Why are you waiting to get one in your church?
PROPERTY CRIMES
Pastor Sentenced to Prison for $3.5 Million COVID Relief Fraud
Rudolph Brooks, the 48-year-old founder and senior pastor of Kingdom Tabernacle of Restoration Ministries in Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining over $3.5 million in COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Brooks, from Cheltenham, Maryland, submitted falsified documents to secure loans for multiple businesses under his control, including a car dealership and his ministry, between April 2020 and September 2021. He used these funds for personal expenses, including purchasing a Tesla and properties in Maryland. In addition to prison time, Brooks was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit over $2 million, the Tesla, and the real estate acquired with the misappropriated funds. The case was prosecuted by the District of Maryland Strike Force as part of a national effort to combat pandemic-related fraud.
I think it is clear to say that pastors, or any believers in Christ, should not be committing crimes like this (or at all). It is obviously disappointing to see news stories like this.
INTERNATIONAL
Gang Attacks Man at Church Festival in Chennai; One Arrested
A man was attacked by a group of individuals during a church festival in Chennai, India, leading to the arrest of one suspect. The incident occurred at a local church celebration where the victim was reportedly assaulted by a gang for reasons that are still under investigation. Police have apprehended one person involved in the attack and are continuing to search for others. Authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack and ensure the safety of church attendees.
If you have a festival, it’s important to post security up where people are entering. Monitor those people coming in and have a plan to deal with disruptors or violence. With good situational awareness and know what to look for, you can stop trouble before it starts. Take my course on finding the danger signs here or clicking the image below.
Historic French Church Destroyed by Fire; Suspect Arrested
The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Saint-Omer, France, was heavily damaged by a fire on September 2, 2024, in what authorities believe was a deliberate arson attack. A 39-year-old man, known to the local police for similar offenses, has been arrested in connection with the incident. The fire, which began in the church's sacristy where evidence of a break-in was found, destroyed both the roof and bell tower, requiring 90 firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Approximately 50 people were evacuated, and the local mayor assured residents there was no risk of pollution from the fire. This incident is part of a growing trend of suspected or confirmed arson attacks on churches in France, often driven by anti-Christian motives.
The US has been lucky to not have such anti Christian crime occurring. However, that can change. We should be watching what is happening in Europe and elsewhere and take heed.
Thousands of Christians Targeted and Killed in Nigeria, Report Finds
A new report by Open Doors International highlights the escalating violence against Christians in Nigeria, where thousands have been killed in recent years. The report, titled "No Road Home," reveals that in 2023 alone, 4,998 Christians were murdered due to their faith, a figure higher than any other country globally. The violence, primarily attributed to Islamist terror groups like Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, and Fulani militants, has resulted in mass displacement and severe living conditions for Christian communities. The report also notes that Christians face forced conversions, targeted killings, and destruction of property, with 3.4 million Christians now living as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Open Doors calls for global awareness and intervention to address the crisis.
If you know of a reputable organization helping Christians in Nigeria, can you put it in the comments? I’d like to see all of us donate to help these people being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. We need to help them the best we can.
Hi Keith, for Nigeria, my church, Calvary Chapel Family Bible Church in Desert Hot Springs, CA has been supporting Dr. Tim Robnett at eteamglobal.org. For years they have been training evangelist in Nigeria with great success. I know him personally, he is the real deal.
Peter mentioned Voice of the Martyrs. Another one to consider is Frontline Fellowship, led by Peter Hammond, in South Africa. I'm not sure exactly what they are doing in Nigeria at this time, but their website search contains a long list of hits containing the name of the country. Peter Hammond is a strong voice in favor of the right and duty of the people to keep and bear arms for the preservation of law, order, and freedom of conscience.