The deadliest shooting in Texas history has made us all realize that even the most sacred grounds—our places of worship—are not safe. Even in a small, community Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, evil snuck in and spewed its carnage.
Men, women and children were struck down inside the walls of a structure that should have never been the backdrop for such evil. But, of course, the killer had a mission and knew he would find his target at this Church.
Evil might have claimed even more lives had it not been for two HEROES. One who confronted the gunman and another who chased him down until he crashed his vehicle.
Stephen Willeford lives next door to First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs.
After the murderer opened fire inside this Church on Sunday, Willeford heard the gunfire. He grabbed his own gun, ran out barefooted and confronted the shooter. Willeford later said that he could tell that the gunman’s body armor was strapped from front to back and his side would be vulnerable. He aimed for his neck and side. He connected 3 times, hitting him once in the side and twice in the neck.
Johnnie Langendorff was driving by and Willeford flagged him down. With Langendorff driving, they chased the gunman, with Langendorff on the phone with dispatch the whole time. The gunman crashed his vehicle and Willeford kept his gun on him and yelled for him to get out of the care. Both men later said that there was no movement. Within 5-7 minutes, the Police had arrived.
The Police reported that he had more weapons and more ammunition in the car.
But thanks to Stephen Willeford and Johnnie Langendorff, he didn’t get the chance to kill more people.
Stephen Willeford could have chosen not to go outside. He could have chosen to hide and stay out of the gunman’s line of sight. But he chose to put his own life on the line to take down evil. He is a HERO.
Johnnie Langendorff could have said, “No way, man. I’m not getting involved.” But he didn’t. They went after him not knowing if he could fire back at them and not knowing if there was another shooter. They are both HEROES. God bless them.
Heroes restore our hope and make us grateful. Even though so many people were killed and wounded, we are grateful that more weren’t.
Sending you blessings of love and light from Sterrett, Alabama!
Charity
I have a feeling more Texans will be packing at church. Which shouldn’t be, but to save a life is what counts. Hopefully, it will never happen again, but there’s no way of knowing….
Yes, they probably will. Thank you for your comment.
Charity