The Fayetteville, North Carolina, congregation of the Heal the Land Outreach Ministries is giving thanks after a frightening New Year's Eve incident that could have had a terrible outcome, but can now be considered a "miracle" for more than one reason.
Pastor Larry Wright was giving a sermon, preaching against gun violence, when a man entered the church with a rifle. The terrified congregation was prepared for a dreadful event, but the pastor asked the man a simple question.
"Can I help you?"
The man answered, "Can you pray for me?"
The pastor took the rifle and gave it to a deacon, and proceeded to pray with the man, even hugging him. The man sat through the rest of the sermon, once again embracing the pastor at the end. He asked the church for forgiveness, claiming that he had only intended to dispose of the gun at the church, which he had considered to be a safe place.
He was asked to not be identified, but the church knows more about him now: he is a veteran suffering from PTSD, with a wife who was just diagnosed with a disease. Under financial pressure, he cannot pay for his electricity or his medication. He even admitted to being a former felon.
Now, he is in the care of a local facility. He even asked to become part of the congregation, and doesn't face charges. The church members have openly embraced him, even making plans for his baptism!
We hope that this veteran can find some healing in the open arms of the church.
If you're thankful for the church members' safety and their compassion, please SHARE!
