From Huskies To Husbands

Have you heard about this?

I am just stunned.  I first found out that a Minister in Illinois had been shot and killed during their church service today over at Greys and Things .  Immediately I started doing some searching to get more information.  As some of you know my husband is a Southern Baptist Minister here in Wyoming, so when I hear of this type of thing happening it really strikes a cord in me much deeper than for most.

Here are the details that I have been able to piece together so far.

• Shortly after services had begun at 8:15 Sunday morning, a man walked straight down the aisle of the First Baptist Church in Maryville, Ill and shot the pastor, Fred Winters, to death, according to the state police.

• The state police said the gunman spoke briefly with Fred Winters, the pastor at First Baptist Church in Maryville, Ill., near St. Louis, before pulling out a .45-caliber handgun and fatally shooting Mr. Winters four times before the gun jammed, The Associated Press reported.

• The man, whose name the police would not release, then pulled out a knife and stabbed himself. He was reported to be in serious condition at a St. Louis hospital.

• Two churchgoers suffered minor injuries and were taken to local hospitals after they had helped to subdue the attacker. About 150 people were attending the service at the time of the shooting.

My heart just breaks for the wife and two children that this Minister left behind.  I am also sad for the congregation that were left behind.  All with so many questions unanswered.  Why would someone do such a thing?  What did the gunman say to the Minister?

What is this world coming to?