pastor killed while preaching

Yesterday was a sad day at the First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois as their pastor was shot to death as he was preaching.

On Sunday, March 8, 2009, a little after our 8:15 service began, a man entered First Baptist Church and fired several gunshots at our Senior Pastor, Dr. Fred Winters. Pastor Winters was taken to the hospital but died of his wounds.

Please pray for Dr. Winter's family, our two brave members who were injured when they stopped the assailant, for the assailant himself and his family, and for our church members as they deal with this tragic loss.

In this day, where uncertainty seems to abound creating an environment in which people are vulnerable in doing things they might not do otherwise, one thing is certain, we, as human beings need a foundation upon which we can live our lives. We at First Baptist Maryville, along with other Christian believers, share this conviction: that foundation is God's Word. In the pages of the Book we call the Bible, we find the pathway for peace, hope, and a quality of living life despite what circumstances we find ourselves in.

To those who believe in the power of prayer, we covet your prayers right now. (from the church's website)

This are difficult days for ministry and churches. I can not imagine what the congregation and the Winter's family is going through right now. I started praying for them yesterday, and I ask that you pray as well. Below is a link to an article that talks about security in churches. Take a look and thank you for praying.

LINK to article about churches and their security --- http://theresurgence.com/church_shooting

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