Tom's Thoughts - Another Tragic Act of Violence at Church

Just below is a link to an online news release of a shooting at the New Destiny Church in Aurora, Colorado. It seems a man crashed his car near this church and the pastor's mother, a nurse, was going over to render aid when she was shot.

An off duty police officer shot the gun man shortly thereafter.

Here is the link:

http://kdvr.com/2012/04/22/witness-pastors-mother-shot-during-aurora-church-service/

Does your church have a plan for this type of occurrence. It is rather hard to prepare for, isn't it? I am learning from what occurs around us all and I hope you do to. Having a network of connected people with like minded interests is important for that.

I was at a first aid class the other day and one of the things we learned was "Is the scene safe?". I would have gone right up to this car too as a means of helping, but I think I am going to be shouting "Are you OK?" from a distance in the future just to avoid the possibility like this.

Please pray for this church family and for the family of the man that was also shot.

Be aware, be prepared, be protected.

Blessings be with you,

Tom

Tom's Thoughts - Burglars Do Not Wish to be Caught - DUH!

So, think like a burglar, a criminal. You want something,....drugs, money, new (to you the burglar) electronics, or whatever. Where do you turn as a burglar to get your desires quickly and easily?

Many are turning to CHURCHES, HOUSES OF WORSHIP!!!! Many of these places have lots of goodies, flat screen TV's, sound boards, projectors, etc.. Many of these items can get lots of money at pawn shops or on many of the local free advertising pages. And, do you the burglar wish to get caught? OF COURSE NOT! So where do you go? Churches, yes houses of worship because many times they are very easy targets to get GOOD STUFF TO SELL OR PAWN OR TRADE!

Here is a link about burglaries in the Colorado area:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/30/churches-reportedly-burglarized-in-denver-are-latest-in-rash-church-break-ins/

So, what can you do? Do an assessment, and yes, think like a criminal. How would you break in? Would you break in or would you put duct tape over the strike plate of a seldom used outside door? Would you choose a church that has no alarm system or cameras? How about breaking the glass in a window of a door?

As you can see, there are many ways to pull this off. Now, what are some ways to make it harder to steal and get away with the crime? Easy, make sure all your current systems are in place and working...check door locks and door hardware, make sure cameras are all working, make sure people that use the building are instructed in assuring that everything is locked up tight and secure, make sure lighting is present, place identifying labels on your portable pieces of electronic or other equipment. The list can go on and on.

The House of Worship Security Network main website page has a church risk assessment that helps people wrap their mind around and into this idea of assessing areas of vulnerability. Please check in out.

Now, do not be scared, rather ....

Be aware. Be prepared. Be protected.

Blessings all!

Tom

Tom's Thoughts - Numerous Churches Victims of Personal Crimes

Oklahoma legislators have passed a bill giving churches the same protection against violent crimes as homeowners and businesses. According to Rep. Mike Ritze of Broken Arrow, people have been the victims of numerous crimes. It also was prompted in part to the Pastor Carol Daniels assault and murder in Anadarko as well as the assault on Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty.

The original castle doctrine has been amended to include vehicles and businesses and now will include houses of worship.

Here is the link:

http://baledger.com/news/your_news/legislation-offers-churches-protection/article_dbe0d362-57f0-11e1-8f14-001871e3ce6c.html

This article addresses how years ago, it seemed there was more respect for houses of worship. It is felt that things have changed.

So what are your thoughts? Have things changed? What are your thoughts on this addition to Oklahoma law?

Be aware. Be prepared. Be protected.

Blessings!

Tom

Tom's Thoughts - Tragic Accident in St. Petersburg, Florida

A pastor's daughter was tragically and accidentally shot at a St. Petersburg church. She has passed away from the wound.

It seems a person was showing his semi auto pistol to another church goer in a small church closet. The magazine was removed, but a bullet was left in the receiver's chamber. Apparently the trigger was pulled and the gun went off. The bullet travelled through the walls and struck the woman in the head.

Here is the link:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/18/2648585/pastors-daughter-accidentally.html

Please, please, if you are going to carry a firearm, review and practice all rules of firearm safety. Please treat every firearm as if it were loaded until the firearm is shown to be clear by the person clearing the firearm, but then also ask the person receiving the firearm to also clear the weapon. Show the firearm to be completely unloaded!

Keep your finger off the trigger. Keep the barrel ALWAYS pointed in a safe direction.

Our thoughts and prayers are with this congregation and family.

Be aware. Be prepared. Be protected.

Tom

Tom's Thoughts - Thirty-three shots fired!"

Here is the latest update on the shooting at the Streams of Hope Ministry on 60th Street, just outside of Kentwood.

MarShon Peoples has been identified as the victim of the shooting. He appears very lucky having been shot in the head. Apparently the bullet must have been lodged between the skull bone and the scalp. I have only seen that one other time in my career. Usually things turn out much worst. Praise God!

The article goes on to identify a 16 year old male, Jawon Martin. None the article addresses him by name and I found that rather interesting as normally juveniles are shielded from the press for a variety of reasons. In addition, although the article indicates he has not been charged as the shooter, it did indicate he turned himself in to the Kent County Jail. Hmmmmm, seems to me there must be more than meets the eye currently.

Here is the link:

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/01/pastor_says_he_dialed_911_at_s.html

I also recall that with as many shots fired as there were either bullet holes or shell casings found, that there are probably several shooters out there.

Both MarShon and his wife Heavenly Peoples (isn't that a nice name, "Heavenly Peoples"?) have great hearts. Please keep them in your prayers. And while you are at it, pray against this violence and for ways to change the course of these young people that behave in this way. To be that young, having access to guns and cars on a Friday evening begs me to ask, where is adult or parental supervision?

If you are involved in church safety or security ministry, it pays to keep track of these incidents. It is important to review these matters and to be proactive in addressing the possible risks your ministry may face.

We here at HOWSN are available to talk about these things and to make recommendations or offer suggestions.

Be aware. Be prepared. Be protected.

Blessings,

Tom

www.howsn.net