Two Separate Congregations Attack Police, Wife Kills Pastor Husband
In times like these, it’s easy to feel weighed down by all the dark news, but we’re reminded that God is still our shield and defender. He sees everything happening and stands with us through it all. No matter what comes, we can rest knowing He’s protecting us. As Psalm 46:1-2 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” Let’s hold tight to that promise and move forward in faith, not fear.
Table of Contents
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Terror Update
French Intelligence Warning Ignored Prior to ISIS Attack on Istanbul Church
Iran's Supreme Leader Warns of Retaliatory Strike Against Israel and U.S.
Florida Teen Arrested for Threatening Voters with Machete at Neptune Beach Polling Site
Crimes Against Persons
Man Arrested After Threatening Utah Church Congregations
Gainesville Police Arrest Suspect During Service at Black Church, Sparking Community Concerns
Two Charged After Police Officers Attacked During Funeral at Chicago Church
Sex Crimes
Youth Leader at Beltway Park Church in Texas Arrested After Reporting Himself to Staff
Alabama Youth Pastor Arrested For Pimping Girl Since She Was 12
New Hyde Park Priest Charged with Forcible Touching
Arson
Arson Suspected in Fire at 24th Street Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, GA
Property Crimes
Edmonton Police Seek Suspects in Vandalism Incidents at Holy Rosary Church
Story Follow-Up
Burnet Church Shuts Down After October Threat Found to Be Fabricated
International Stories
Wife of Detroit Lakes Missionary Arrested in Angola Following His Death
Priest Kidnapping in Nigeria Part of Rising Targeted Attacks on Christian Leaders
Boko Haram Executes Christian Hostage in Northern Nigeria
Pastor and Family Killed in Uganda Islamist Attack
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TERROR UPDATE
French Intelligence Warning Ignored Prior to ISIS Attack on Istanbul Church
Newly released information shows that French intelligence warned Turkish authorities two months before an ISIS attack on the Church of Santa Maria in Istanbul, but Turkish officials dismissed the intelligence as an attempt to harm Turkey’s image. The warning, relayed in November 2023 to Turkey’s Directorate for General Security, included specific threats to Christian and Jewish sites in Istanbul. Despite the intelligence and subsequent warnings that led several Western embassies to close temporarily, Turkish officials downplayed the risk, calling the terror alerts an effort to undermine Turkey's stability. On January 28, 2024, ISIS gunmen attacked the Church of Santa Maria during a service, killing one person. Following the attack, Turkish authorities identified several suspects connected to the assault, some of whom had been previously detained and released. This incident highlights long-standing criticism regarding Turkey’s handling of ISIS activity within its borders, including reports that ISIS has used Turkey for logistics, recruitment, and operational planning.
Ignoring critical terror information is happening here in the U.S. I’ve been letting you know that Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) leaders in the U.S. have been laser focused on domestic extremism, often calling people like you Domestic Violent Extremists (DVE’s). I, myself, was recently reported as a DVE. All the while, they have said out loud to local law enforcement that Middle Eastern Terrorism has been eliminated. It leaves our churches open for attack and you are the last line of defense when they come to attack a U.S. church.
Iran's Supreme Leader Warns of Retaliatory Strike Against Israel and U.S.
Following recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military sites, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed a “teeth-breaking” response against both Israel and the United States. Speaking on November 2, 2024, Khamenei emphasized Iran’s readiness to defend against perceived aggression from these adversaries and indicated that Iran is preparing for robust retaliatory measures through military and political means.
Khameni said he would respond to Israel AND the United States. You cannot forget that there are an estimated 30,000 hezbollah agents in the United States right now. Will they be unleashed by Iran now? We don’t know. But, we do know that detained hezbollah and Iranian agents have said that they would be unleashed if Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed by Israel (he was killed in September) and/or the U.S. and Iran went to war. War is on the horizon. Is your church a target? The chances are very slim that your particular church will be targeted. However, you should remain vigilant, keep your church open and welcoming, and work and train harder.
Florida Teen Arrested for Threatening Voters with Machete at Neptune Beach Polling Site
An 18-year-old was arrested on felony charges of aggravated assault after allegedly brandishing a machete at voters outside the Beaches Branch Library, a designated early voting site in Neptune Beach, Florida. According to police, Caleb Williams was part of a group holding Trump flags and signs who had gathered to protest. Witnesses reported that Williams approached two women, raising the machete in a threatening manner that caused them to fear for their safety. Police collected evidence, including a photo of Williams approaching the women and the 23-inch machete. Following his arrest, Williams was ordered to stay 1,000 feet from polling locations, with an exception for his designated voting place. Local officials and both political parties condemned the incident, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe environment at polling sites. Williams is currently out on a $55,000 bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on November 20.
I’m including this here because a number of churches will be polling places on Tuesday. Please take a moment to go over the newsletter I sent out a few days ago about security at your church if you are hosting a polling station.
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Man Arrested After Threatening Utah Church Congregations
A man was arrested in Wyoming after allegedly making violent threats against Catholic and Latter-day Saint congregations in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. On Sunday, October 27, 2024, 27-year-old Keith Barber reportedly attended Mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and later called 911, claiming he intended to harm church members. Cottonwood Heights Police immediately placed the church on lockdown and launched a search for Barber, who fled the scene. Authorities later located his phone, discarded in Sandy, Utah, which helped them connect with Barber's family in California, who indicated he was experiencing a personal crisis. Barber was eventually apprehended by law enforcement in Lyman, Wyoming, on unrelated charges. Cottonwood Heights Police are coordinating with Wyoming authorities to assess applicable charges in Utah, while church officials expressed relief at the swift response that ensured parishioners’ safety.
Barber told Police when he called 911 that he was going to start a war with the LDS church and the Catholics and kill as many of them as possible. You’ll never know when it is your church’s turn to deal with a person like this. Putting a scenario like this into your line up of training will show if you are ready or not. As an example, I have heard a number of church security teams talk about locking their churches down in a critical incident. However, none of them have a plan for it or have ever practiced it. Do you know what to do if you decide to “lock down” your church?
Gainesville Police Arrest Suspect During Service at Black Church, Sparking Community Concerns
Police in Gainesville, Florida, arrested a man inside the Gainesville Christian Center on Sunday, October 27, after he allegedly attempted robbery and fled from officers. The incident began when a Dollar General employee reported that a man had taken items without payment and demanded cash, prompting police to respond. The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Anthony Lee Gainey Jr., allegedly fled from police and sought refuge in the church, where officers detained him during an ongoing worship service. Video footage shows parishioners urging officers to leave as they handcuffed Gainey.
Take a look at the video with this news story (click the link below) and you’ll see the congregation surrounding the officers as they arrest a robbery suspect. It’s insane to think that any Christian thinks it’s ok to interfere with the police while they make an arrest of a robbery suspect. As I’ve repeated in almost every newsletter, suspects will seek refuge in a church when they are fleeing the police. They do it because they think they can’t be touched in the Church. Shame on these congregants, and shame on the pastor, for their bad behavior (take a look at Romans 13:1-5). I stopped going to church, but not believing, for decades while I was a police officer because of behavior from Christians like this. You get very jaded as a police officer. When you see people that are supposed to be good acting like this, it makes your jaded attitude even worse.
During your next security team training, put this scenario into your lineup.
Two Charged After Police Officers Attacked During Funeral at Chicago Church
A fight at a funeral service held at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago's West Garfield Park neighborhood led to a violent altercation involving Chicago Police officers on October 26. Police had been assigned to the area for crowd and traffic control but responded inside the church around 12:30 p.m. when a disturbance broke out. During the incident, two men—Demarco Hunter, 25, and Michael Fitzgerald, 37—allegedly assaulted officers, sending three to the hospital. Prosecutors report that Hunter kicked an officer in the head while he was on the ground, causing injuries requiring five staples, while Fitzgerald reportedly punched another officer. Both men face aggravated battery charges, with Fitzgerald also charged with resisting and obstructing an officer. Hunter, who has prior offenses but no convictions for battery, will remain in custody until his next court date on November 4. An additional unidentified suspect in a blue jumpsuit remains under investigation.
I don’t know who the funeral service was for, so I’ll speak in generalities about why the police would monitor a funeral. When gang members or notorious criminals are buried, police will be on hand to monitor the crowd and the area. They monitor the crowd because if someone wanted to do harm to the rest of the gang, rivals know when and where a majority of them will be… which is your church for the funeral. In this case, a disturbance happened and the police had to intervene. I have arrested more than one person at a funeral before. It is unpleasant, but it is what happens when a group of criminals get together to mourn another criminal. Again, I’m speaking in generalities because I do not know what the specifics were of why the police needed to be at this specific funeral. But again, we have police being assaulted IN A CHURCH!
If you have a funeral at your church, find out what the person’s background is. If they are a criminal, ask the police if they think they should be on hand to monitor the funeral. I have had SWAT team activations to monitor funerals due to the people involved. Often times, we never knew the specifics until the place holding the funeral called us.
Ayahuasca Church Leader Charged with Assault After Violent Mid-Flight Attack on United Airlines Passenger
Everett Chad Nelson, a leader of an ayahuasca church in Miami, faces federal charges after allegedly assaulting a sleeping passenger on a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Washington D.C. According to a federal complaint, Nelson, 44, exited a lavatory mid-flight, then approached a passenger seated in 12F and suddenly began striking the man’s face and head. The victim, reportedly deaf and non-verbal, sustained multiple injuries, including two black eyes and a nose gash, causing blood to spatter around the cabin. Witnesses, including a passenger who intervened, helped restrain Nelson until landing, where law enforcement detained him. Nelson is charged with assault in the "special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States" and faces up to a year in prison if convicted. His trial is scheduled for December 11.
I fly a lot. As a police officer, I always flew armed which meant I was on duty during the flight. I’ve had to detain one passenger on drugs who lost it on the flight and I’ve had to assist with two medical calls mid flight. Be prepared for any eventuality while flying. Go through scenarios in your head and visualize your response. Visualize your response to this incident as the victim and as the witness. Do it often enough and when it happens, you will respond quickly and efficiently. I have used this visualization technique for decades and it has helped me respond to incidents with professionalism and quick action.
SEX CRIMES
Youth Leader at Beltway Park Church in Texas Arrested After Reporting Himself to Staff
A former youth leader at Beltway Park Church in Abilene, Texas, has been arrested and charged with exploitation-related offenses after approaching a church staff member to disclose personal struggles. The volunteer admitted to the staff member that he had been soliciting inappropriate content online from minors, prompting the church to contact Abilene Police immediately. Following this admission, investigators reportedly found illicit media on the individual’s device, leading to his arrest. Beltway Park Church issued a statement expressing its commitment to transparency, cooperation with authorities, and to maintaining a safe environment, noting that the volunteer had previously passed background checks. The church encouraged anyone with additional information to assist police in their ongoing investigation.
The church handled this situation with transparency and accountability from the start. When a staff member was approached by the volunteer, who admitted to struggling with child exploitation issues, the church immediately notified authorities and fully cooperated with the investigation. They also took the commendable step of informing their congregation through a clear, honest letter, ensuring members were aware of the situation. This level of transparency is crucial in maintaining trust, especially in difficult and sensitive matters like this. In contrast, some Texas churches have responded to similar issues with vague statements, often leading to damaging speculation that erodes confidence. While it may be impossible to entirely prevent individuals with harmful intentions from entering any organization, churches can strengthen their communities by addressing these situations directly and openly.
Alabama Youth Pastor Arrested For Pimping Girl Since She Was 12
A youth pastor who volunteered at an undisclosed Alabama church has been arrested in Plantation, Florida, facing serious charges of exploitation involving a teenager. Authorities allege the pastor met the girl online when she was a pre-teen and began a pattern of coercive behavior, later profiting from her activities across multiple states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Florida. Officials revealed the pastor moved with the victim to South Florida when she was accepted to college and continued his alleged control over her earnings. With a previous record of accusations in 2019, the pastor is now held on a $500,000 bond, barred from contact with minors, as the investigation develops.
I don’t even know where to begin. Know what your kids are doing, where they are going, etc. Look at their phone. They have no right to privacy. You’ll know everything about your child by looking at their phone. Churches, do background checks and monitor your people. This whole case is disgusting.
New Hyde Park Priest Charged with Forcible Touching
A priest from the Church of the Holy Spirit in New Hyde Park, New York, has been charged with forcible touching involving a 22-year-old man, according to Nassau County police. The incident allegedly occurred on October 26 in Oceanside, and Father Thomas Moriarty, 62, was arrested and arraigned on October 31. Following his arraignment, he was released under non-monetary conditions and has since voluntarily stepped down from ministry duties. The Rockville Centre Diocese stated that Moriarty will refrain from presenting himself as a priest pending both civil and diocesan investigations. The diocese clarified that the accusation does not involve any Holy Spirit Church parishioners. Moriarty's next court appearance is scheduled for November 15.
If this priest served in your church, YOU MUST ascertain if there are any victims at your church. This is not something that a 62 year old came up with after this long of life. Many times these crimes, after being discovered, lead to a trail of victims. Be transparent with your congregants. The Catholic church doesn’t have a good track record with sexual abuse and any veiled statements will just lead to other groups filling in the gaps.
ARSON
Arson Suspected in Fire at 24th Street Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, GA
An arson investigation is underway after a fire broke out on the evening of November 1 at the 24th Street Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. Fire crews arrived to find flames originating from recycling bins outside the church’s north side, according to Chief Fire Marshal John Shull. The fire inflicted significant damage to the historic church, which has served its community for over a century as a site for baptisms, weddings, and regular worship. With the damage sustained, congregants will need to find an alternate location for Sunday services, while long-term repairs are assessed. D
This is your weekly reminder that you need a fire alarm and a burglar alarm. Why haven’t you gotten one yet? Expense should be the only excuse.
Read the full storyPROPERTY CRIMES
Edmonton Police Seek Suspects in Vandalism Incidents at Holy Rosary Church
Edmonton Police are searching for suspects in a series of vandalism and mischief incidents targeting Holy Rosary Church in central Edmonton. On September 18, a man and a woman reportedly damaged a security camera outside the church before being startled away by an approaching vehicle. Two days later, a man defaced a statue of Pope John Paul II with the word "burn" while another individual observed. Additionally, on December 28 of last year, a man set fire to the church’s nativity scene, a handmade piece crafted by a parishioner decades ago. Police have not yet determined if the same individuals were involved in all three incidents but have released images of the suspects from September’s vandalism.
As you can see, it is important to have a 4k video system at your church. The system needs to be able to show facial features or a make/model of vehicle in your parking lot. Also, here is your weekly reminder that you need a burglar alarm and a fire alarm at your church.
STORY FOLLOW UP
Burnet Church Shuts Down After October Threat Found to Be Fabricated
First Baptist Church in Burnet, Texas, has closed its doors following the discovery that a reported threat made on October 6 was fabricated. The alleged threat, initially raising significant concern among the congregation and prompting a strong response from law enforcement, was later determined to be unsubstantiated. Church leadership and community members expressed disappointment over the fabricated report, which led to heightened tension and disrupted church activities. The church has since closed indefinitely as leaders and members consider the impact of the incident on their community.
The church emphasized that this incident alone was not the reason for the church’s closing. However, the incident was an accelerator for the closing. I chose to run this article due to the amount of exposure this incident has had in our community. Please remember that solid background checks and a sound application process will keep incidents like this from happening.
INTERNATIONAL STORIES
Wife of Detroit Lakes Missionary Arrested in Angola Following His Death
The wife of a missionary from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, has been arrested in Angola in connection with his recent death, according to Lakes Area Vineyard Church. The missionary, who had been serving with his wife in Angola for three years, was reportedly killed in what the church described as an "act of violence while serving Jesus." The missionary’s church community and SIM, the organization that facilitated the couple’s mission work, expressed grief over his death and shock at the wife's arrest. The U.S. State Department confirmed awareness of a U.S. citizen's death and the detention of another in Angola, though details remain limited. The couple’s five children are reportedly safe and being cared for, as church leaders work with local authorities and the SIM team to support the family through this tragedy.
First and foremost, let’s pray for the family of of the man killed. Don’t take what is being reported as the truth. Angolan law enforcement is not the most professional in the world. Personally, I would not trust law enforcement there. I would refrain from judgement until more evidence comes out from the Diplomatic Security Service (U.S. State Department law enforcement).
I have missionary safety in difficult places on my road map for courses here. In the mean time, practice good situational awareness when in country and listen to the voice in your head when you sense danger. It is God letting you know to change directions and seek safety. Don’t ignore that voice.
Priest Kidnapping in Nigeria Part of Rising Targeted Attacks on Christian Leaders
Father Thomas Oyode, rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in the Diocese of Auchi, Nigeria, was abducted on October 27 during an evening service after reportedly offering himself in place of two seminarians whom the kidnappers initially seized. The suspects, who are believed to have demanded a ransom of nearly $122,000, remain at large despite the recent arrest of two individuals allegedly connected to the crime. This incident is the latest in a wave of kidnappings and attacks on Christian clergy across Nigeria, which advocates attribute to both financial motives and religiously driven violence aimed at displacing Christian communities, particularly in central and northern regions. According to reports, Christian communities and clergy have been increasingly targeted, with over 150,000 documented deaths related to religious violence since 2009. Nigerian leaders and international human rights advocates continue to press for increased government action against rising insecurity and targeted violence across the country.
Nigerian Christians have seen the enormous amount of persecution in their country. I do believe that Christians there are the most persecuted in the world. Keep an eye out here for more information on how you can help Christians and Nigeria.
Boko Haram Executes Christian Hostage in Northern Nigeria
In a recent video released by Boko Haram, militants in Nigeria's Borno State executed four individuals, including at least one Christian. Open Doors UK reported that the video showed an armed militant declaring his intent to kill “infidels,” which he defined as anyone who does not follow Boko Haram’s interpretation of Islam. The extremist group, known for targeting Christians, has been responsible for numerous atrocities in Nigeria, leading to over 35,000 civilian deaths and displacing more than two million people. The escalating violence continues to prevent many Christians from returning to their homes due to fears of further attacks and unexploded landmines left in villages. Boko Haram, which seeks to establish an Islamic state, is officially recognized as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. State Department and has intensified its operations under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau.
Pastor and Family Killed in Uganda Islamist Attack
In Kibale, Uganda, Pastor Weere Mukisa, his wife, and two daughters were tragically killed on October 13 when Islamist villagers set their home on fire in retaliation for Mukisa's recent efforts to lead three Muslims to Christianity. The assailants, reportedly from a nearby village, left petrol bottles at the scene. Police are investigating, and the community is left in fear and mourning. Additionally, in Bugiri, another Christian convert was attacked by her husband with acid for embracing Christianity, highlighting ongoing religious persecution in Uganda.
Lord, have mercy and grant your protection to your children 🙏🏼