Twelve Shots

Sundays are typically filled with the kind of rhythmic church activities we know and love like building relationships, worshiping God, and preaching.

But on this particular Sunday – March 19, sometime after 3:25pm – the police were picking up gun shell casings.

Just a few steps from our porch. Again.

Emily, the kids, and I were resting after a busy afternoon of ministry. 

I remember the weather. Amazing, almost a perfect day with the sun shining against a blue sky.

We have a very short commute, since we worship out of our ministry house headquarters… just a door away.

Everything was cleaned up, and we had settled in for a nap when I heard the familiar sound.

Gunfire — when it goes off just several feet away, on surprise — will shake you.  

I could actually feel them this time.

The gunshots, about 12, startled me out of a half-sleep state onto my feet.

I checked our camera system. Nothing unusual.

Then came the sirens. That's the sign of tragedy.

When sirens go off, we do not run outside to see what’s happening.

I immediately look up Delco Dispatch, the communication of all first responder calls in Delaware County. 

What I read: ”GUN SHOT VICTIM” and “MALE ON THE GROUND.” 

The address on the call was 23rd & Crobsy in Chester — our corner where we have church, outreach events.

It’s literally outside our ministry house. 

My first thought? My family is safe, and everybody is fine.

Next thought? Maybe I can help.

It didn’t take long before police, firemen and ambulances filled up our block.

On Crosby Street, our side street, the police were picking up shell casings. What was a calm relaxing afternoon, turned to chaos in just a few seconds. 

This is a normal experience for our community, not knowing what spaces or places are safe.

The level of life-altering trauma may be a heightened daily reality on our block, but we do not live in fear.

For we have a greater hope!

We know for certain that God has called us to serve in the most difficult areas of our city to advance the gospel and bring life change through the power of Jesus.

Do we cower in fear, even in the face of gunfire?

No.

God's perfect love is the only thing that casts out fear. So we stand strong in faith during difficult times and hope to impact those we have relationships with.

While we can’t be sure what will happen in the day to day, we are sure to share and walk in our living hope that does not perish — Jesus Christ! 

We press on and expand.

Will you partner with us in prayer for our community?

Your encouragement, prayers, and support help us navigate dangerous situations like gunshots on our block, pouring into the messy places of addiction counseling, being a friend to individuals who have no support, and working with youth to make better decisions for the future.

When God puts it on your heart, lift us all up! Thank you.