ALERT: CSTLS IS NOW SEVERE | IMMINENT THREAT OF AN ATTACK
READ THIS FIRST!
It is going to be easy to read this bulletin and get panicked and want to shut your church down and restrict access. DO NOT DO THAT! The devil is counting on us to restrict access. Just be smart, keep a cool head, and follow my instructions on what to do next. You will be busy for the next month. This is what God called on you for.
Church Security Threat Level Raised to Severe (Red)
I am raising the Church Security Threat Level to Severe (Red), indicating an imminent threat of attack on churches and synagogues in the U.S. Several factors contribute to this escalation, and it is important that our safety teams remain on alert.
Recent Developments
Election Day Active Shooter Event Thwarted: An Afghan immigrant was arrested for plotting and organizing an active shooter terror event at polling places for Nov. 5th. Many polling places are in churches.
Thwarted ISIS Follower Attack: A recent attempt by an ISIS follower to target synagogues was thwarted by law enforcement. You can read the full update here.
New Intelligence on East Coast and Rockies: Intelligence from active police officers indicates a recent thwarted attack on the East Coast and potential activity in the Rocky Mountain region. While I cannot provide specific details to protect my sources, the threat is credible and serious.
Iranian Hit Squads in the U.S.: The ODNI confirmed that former President Trump was briefed on Iranian hit squads operating in the U.S. Some of these individuals are armed with MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems), and their mission is to assassinate him. You can read more about this developing threat here.
Hezbollah Agents in the U.S.: According to an interview I conducted with a JTTF agent, it is estimated that there are 30,000 Hezbollah agents currently residing in the U.S. These agents could be activated to conduct terror missions if hostilities between the U.S. and Iran escalate. With recent Iranian missile strikes on Israel, and Israel likely to respond, tensions are rising, making this threat even more pressing.
October 7th Anniversary: October 7th marks the anniversary of last year’s Hamas attack on Israel. In addition, Israel recently confirmed that they thwarted a larger Hezbollah invasion in Northern Israel that was planned for the October 7th Anniversary. Terrorists are known to strike on symbolic dates, which adds to the urgency of heightened security around this time. You can read more about the Hezbollah plot here.
DHS Warns of Terrorist Exploitation of Migrant Flows into U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a warning on Wednesday, highlighting concerns that individuals with ties to terrorism are exploiting migrant flows to enter the United States. Encounters with individuals on the Federal Terrorist Screening Dataset have increased, with 422 such individuals stopped by July 2024, 283 of whom attempted to cross at the U.S.-Canada border.
Urgent Threat Alert: FBI/DHS Warn of Imminent Terror Risk. Recent public safety announcements from the FBI and DHS, along with intelligence reports, have prompted this heightened alert, particularly due to the approaching anniversary of the October 7, 2023 HAMAS attacks. Despite these warnings, federal agencies have not explicitly addressed the ongoing threat to Christian churches in their latest bulletins, raising concerns about government priorities. With ISIS and other foreign terrorist organizations continuing to target churches, enhanced vigilance is essential for ensuring the safety of congregations.
On December 4, 2024, in Oroville, California, 56-year-old Glenn Litton critically wounded two kindergarten boys, ages 5 and 6, at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists before taking his own life. Posing as a prospective grandparent seeking to enroll a child, Litton used this pretense to gain access to the school. Investigations revealed that Litton, who had a history of mental illness and non-violent criminal offenses, left writings indicating he viewed the attack as a "counter-measure" against U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts, particularly referencing the oppression of Palestinians. The two young victims remain in critical condition, facing extensive recovery periods. This incident has deeply affected the local community, highlighting ongoing concerns about school security and the accessibility of firearms to individuals with mental health issues.
Sources: AP News New York Post
When we moved to Orange (high risk of attack), these were the threat factors considered. These factors are still in consideration with moving us to Red (Imminent threat of attack):
The FBI has put out two alerts advising law enforcement that large venues, including churches, were at serious risk of a terrorist attack. This was not conveyed to churches and was only conveyed to police.
Several persons on the terror watch list have crossed the border and are unaccounted for. This includes one afghan immigrant that belongs to a terrorist group.
ISIS has asked followers to attack churches in the US. One Idahoan that follows ISIS was one day from attacking churches in Idaho. Again, churches were not notified by authorities.
NYPD has stepped up checks in subways, another potential terrorist target, and the National Guard was deployed into the subway system to supplement law enforcement patrols.
Psalm 46:1:
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Ongoing Threats
For new subscribers who may have missed earlier reports, here is a list of ongoing threats that continue to contribute to the raised alert level that had us at Orange (High Risk of Attack):
The FBI has put out two alerts advising law enforcement that large venues, including churches, were at serious risk of a terrorist attack. This was not conveyed to churches and was only conveyed to police.
Several persons on the terror watch list have crossed the border and are unaccounted for. This includes one afghan immigrant that belongs to a terrorist group.
ISIS has asked followers to attack churches in the US. One Idahoan that follows ISIS was one day from attacking churches in Idaho. Again, churches were not notified by authorities.
NYPD has stepped up checks in subways, another potential terrorist target, and the National Guard was deployed into the subway system to supplement law enforcement patrols.
What This Means for Your Church
First and foremost, DO NOT CLOSE OR RESTRICT ACCESS TO YOUR CHURCH! We must remain vigilant but resolute. While we will not close our doors or restrict attendance, our safety ministries will need to work harder than ever. Here are the immediate actions I recommend:
First and foremost, have a safety ministry! It is part of pastoral care to have a safety team watching out for you and your congregation.
Double security personnel: Increase the number of security personnel, not just in the church, but also in the parking lots and worship services.
Armed security at entrances: Whether uniformed or plainclothes, armed security at all entrances is critical. Armed security should act as enhanced greeters. There is no need to act authoritative or unwelcoming. Be welcoming, but keep your head on a swivel.
Maintain close contact with local law enforcement: It’s essential to maintain ongoing communication with local authorities, as they are more likely to provide timely and actionable information.
Stay connected: Make sure to stay tuned to Christian Warrior Training (link here) where I will provide updates as new information arises.
What You Can Do
First, we must all continue to pray for our churches, our safety ministries, and the strength of our fellow Christians. The threats we face are serious, but we will not falter in our mission to serve Christ. I cannot emphasize enough that you must remain a welcoming refuge for the masses. Do not turn into a bunker. Just be aware, alert and friendly. Just have a plan in case bad actors come to your church. Take the training below to help your discernment.
Most church pastors have lost their spines, not only in preaching the Gospel but also in taking threats seriously. Churches have become country clubs or 'Gospel Entertainment' centers. Any pastor, emphasis 'any', who does not take security seriously is putting his congregation at severe risk, no matter the threat level. No excuses. The pastor owns it from start to finish. They are responsible for protecting their flock. Pastors need to grow a pair and start being the shepherd God appointed them to be.
Thanks Keith…we continue to ask our Heavenly Father to guide us as we watch over the church…to help us be loving but vigilant…steadfast in our calling…holding fast to our belief in Him…