Street Preacher Shot, Stabbing/Murder in Church Parking lot
A round up of this week's church crime
VIOLENT CRIMES
FBI Issues Warning on Elevated Terrorist Threat to Churches
The FBI has issued a new warning highlighting an elevated threat level from terrorist groups, including ISIS and Shia militants, targeting churches and synagogues. FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the unprecedented threat environment during his testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Churches are urged to enhance security by establishing trained safety teams, investing in surveillance systems, locking unused doors, and conducting active shooter training. Despite the heightened security measures, churches should strive to maintain an open and welcoming atmosphere while staying vigilant against potential threats.
We are still at Orange (high risk of attacks). I have not moved it up to Impending Attacks because we don’t have specific information as to when or where we will be attacked. If you haven’t, watch my breakdown of what is going on in the video below.
North Little Rock Street Preacher Shot During Sunday Sermon
In North Little Rock, Arkansas, a street preacher was shot while delivering a sermon on the corner of JFK and McCain Boulevard. The incident occurred around 11:50 a.m. when 20-year-old Latarryes Bush approached the preacher, who was engaged in his "red light green light church" ministry. After a physical altercation over the preacher's microphone, Bush shot the preacher in the stomach. Despite his injuries, the preacher expressed forgiveness towards Bush and hopes to help him find his way to Christ. Bush has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including attempted capital murder and aggravated robbery.
I gave a full rundown of how to stay safe as a street preacher. You can read the full article here.
Suspect in Tennessee Church Stabbing Arrested in Andalusia
Nicole Christine Burk, wanted for the stabbing death of Ronald Wade Travis in Shelbyville, Tennessee, was arrested in Andalusia, Alabama, on Sunday. Burk allegedly stabbed Travis in the parking lot of a Shelbyville church on Saturday before fleeing in a Ford C-Max. A BOLO alert led Andalusia police to locate and arrest Burk after midnight. She was detained on a fugitive from justice warrant and is awaiting extradition in the Covington County Jail. A child in the vehicle, identified as Burk's son, was found unharmed.
There isn’t much you can do when there is a murder in your church parking lot after hours. However, I want you to keep remembering what I say when I tell you that people running from trouble always flee to a nearby church. We also see a lot of custody exchanges, internet sales meetups, etc in church parking lots. Just be ready for the unexpected.
Palm Bay Man Arrested for Church Burglary and Assault on Officer
A 24-year-old man from Palm Bay, Florida, remains in custody after allegedly breaking into the Mission Church on Emerson Drive, causing $10,000 in damages with a sledgehammer, and assaulting a police officer with a metal Stanley cup. The incident occurred on June 1, when police found the suspect in the church parking lot. The man, clad only in shorts, aggressively approached an officer and attempted to strike him, leading to a struggle that ended with the suspect's arrest. He faces charges of burglary, criminal mischief, battery on a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest with violence.
Gun Found and Multiple Arrests at Lyndhurst Church Festival
A series of incidents at the Church of Saint Clare festival in Lyndhurst, Ohio, led to the discovery of a firearm and the detention of several individuals. On June 3, police noticed three juveniles, one appearing to have a firearm, at the festival. After two suspects fled, officers apprehended the third, finding a 9mm magazine and handgun accessories in his possession. A handgun with an extended magazine was later recovered nearby. The festival was shut down due to disorderly conduct, resulting in the arrest of 10 juveniles for various offenses including resisting arrest and property damage. One officer sustained minor injuries while dispersing a fight.
Watch my video break down of this incident and what you can do to prevent an issue like this at your festival. The video is below.
SEX CRIMES
Former Spotsylvania Teacher Charged with Child Sex Crimes
A former math teacher and youth minister from Spotsylvania, Virginia, is facing charges for child sex crimes. Daniel Fleming, 31, was charged with solicitation of child pornography and using communication systems to facilitate offenses involving children following an investigation by the Chesapeake Police Department. Previously employed at private schools in Chesapeake and Spotsylvania, Fleming also participated in local church youth ministries. He was additionally charged with taking indecent liberties with a child by Spotsylvania deputies. Fleming remains in custody, and authorities are investigating whether there are more victims. His next court appearance is set for July 12.
Child predators seek positions that put them in direct contact with children. This includes our youth ministries. It is doubtful a background check would have uncovered anything, however, a strong policy in your church protecting children would help them immensely.
PROPERTY CRIMES
Brentwood Church Vandalized in Suspected Hate Crime
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Brentwood, California, (Corn Brentwood, not O.J. Brentwood) was vandalized late Wednesday night in what police suspect is a hate crime. Upon arrival early Thursday morning, Brentwood police found graffiti with messages like "Avenge al Aqsa" and "LDS invest in genocide" spray-painted on the church, along with two broken windows. No entry was made into the church.
I lived 3 blocks from this church when I lived in California. I know many people that go here, including my old neighbors. This makes me sad. It is happening because of the lack of enforcement of the rule of law in the area (one of the many reasons many of us returned to the United States and left California). With that said, expect more of this as the Middle East heats up.
Burglary at St. Helena’s Parish Church
The Philadelphia Police Department is seeking information regarding a burglary at St. Helena’s Parish Church in the 35th District. On May 21, 2024, at approximately 2:30 AM, an unidentified black male, aged 30-40, with a medium build and beard, broke into the church at 6161 N 5th St. The suspect, wearing a light blue shirt, blue coat, and dark knit hat, disabled security cameras before stealing several items. He was last seen fleeing in an unknown direction. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Northwest Detective Division or submit an anonymous tip.
Having a burglar alarm is a must. I still don’t understand why churches don’t have one (unless expense is an issue, then I understand that). But many churches that have money still don’t have one. You are a huge target for burglars and for people wanting to vandalize it to take out their frustrations for political purposes. Luckily, this church had a good video system. Some cop at PPD will figure out who this guy is in short time.
MISCELLANEOUS
Blind Woman's Guide Dog Denied Entry to Texas Church
In Bryan, Texas, a blind woman named Mari Ramos was denied entry to a church service because of her service dog, Betty. Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensuring her right to access public places with her guide dog, religious institutions are exempt from this compliance. Ramos expressed feelings of exclusion and embarrassment after church leaders cited the band's presence and flashing lights as inappropriate for a service animal.
Don’t be like this. Let them worship. Make an accommodation for them if necessary. If you’re worried, find a place in the building for them to worship and feel included. I have a service dog that helps me with tasks when I’m ill. You’ll see her laying down behind me in some videos. She’s not with me all the time, but when I need her I need her. I would be mortified if I was turned away from a church. I’m sure there is more to the story, but educate yourself so that we don’t turn people away. A pastor once told me that people don’t go to church because of people that DO go to church. Be the reason people come.
Romans 15:7 (NIV):
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
Protest Over Domestic Violence Outside Solid Rock Church
A rally was held outside Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as dozens of protestors demanded justice for Mica Miller, the estranged wife of the church's pastor, who died on April 27. Miller's death, ruled a suicide, followed reports of domestic abuse and harassment by her husband, including the use of GPS trackers and property damage. Pastor John-Paul Miller admitted to some of these actions and was removed from his ministerial duties on May 5. Supporters have vowed to continue their weekly protests until justice is achieved.
This whole case is fascinating if you want to go look up the back story. With that said, forget why the protestors are there and start thinking about how your church would respond if protestors showed up at your church. We know that we will be persecuted for our beliefs and you have to think it is a possibility for them to show up at your church. I know my church is at risk for it because my pastor frequently holds talks about the Muslim faith, which has upset a few people. You have to plan for them to come. You cannot depend on the police being able to do anything for you, since they also have to balance 1st amendment rights. Just think about the possibility and start thinking about how you would handle it. If you hold a high profile event, like a talk on the muslim faith, put a plan into effect in case protestors show up.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES
Adventist Families Displaced by Violence in Haiti
Hundreds of Adventist families in Haiti have lost their homes due to escalating gang violence, with 305 homes burned and 55 churches closed. Pierre Caporal, president of the Haitian Union Mission, described the dire situation to Inter-American Division (IAD) leaders in Miami, emphasizing the displacement of over 2,000 families, including 18 pastoral families. The IAD has pledged funds for humanitarian aid, with additional support from various union leaders across the region. Despite the challenges, church services continue, often under tents or online, as members navigate safety concerns.
Christian Man Dies from Wounds Received in Pakistan Attack
Nazir Gill Masih, a Christian man in his 70s, died from injuries sustained during a mob attack in Sargodha, Pakistan, on May 25. The violence erupted following accusations that a Christian defaced a Koran, leading to the destruction of Masih's shoemaking factory and his severe beating. Bishop Samson Shukardin, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, has called for stronger laws to prevent false blasphemy allegations and better protection for religious minorities.