From: Pastor Jack Hayford
By reason of the many calls I have received, graciously and lovingly expressing concern for me in the aftermath of the widely publicized, tragic event that occurred in Colorado Springs last Sunday, December 9, I have been asked to offer this report.
First, let me address the most basic facts; information I offer only because having had several phone calls, along with recurring questions, I believe answers the most common ones: Where was I? What happened? Was I in danger?
1. The arrival of the gunman was at about 1:00 p.m., 20-25 minutes after the conclusion of the 11:00 service, at which, as at 9:00 a.m, I was the speaker.
2. The gunman’s arrival was after more than 85% of the approximately 4500 in the second service had left the church parking lot—obviously, the first of many providences of God’s grace, reducing the exposure of thousands to what took place.
3. I was in the pastor’s office, having a light lunch before leaving for the airport, when his assistant and her husband burst into the office, urgently announcing that a gunman was in the building, shooting in the hallways. The office was a relatively secure situation, a floor above the hallways, in an area accessed only by a coded door. However, we could hear gunfire.
4. Within the next 30 seconds we could hear gunfire, and 2-3 minutes later were advised it was the final exchange; the final shots being fired by a security guard, resulting in the instant felling of the shooter. The guard had warned the gunman to put down his weapon—only to have him continue random firing, while reaching for a smoke grenade attached to his belt.
5. Over the next 10 minutes we received word, that upon arriving in the parking lot and exiting his car with an automatic rifle in hand, the gunman immediately began spraying bullets into the cars everywhere. Tragically, this is when the two teenage girls were struck, one dying in moments, the other at the hospital later. Their father was also hit, but not fatally—the prospects of his recovery being described as excellent. (His wife, the girls’ mother, was also with them, but was not hit. You can imagine the deep emotional concern which all feel for this bereaved couple.)
6. Two other casualties were realized, as the result of the gunman’s entrance into the hallways where he fired on the relatively few remaining there—most were able to hide in doorways or behind pillars. However, one person was shot in the shoulder and another in the arm. I am informed that both of these are in good condition and recovering well. Again, the Lord’s grace is evident.
Having given these facts, let me conclude with these remarks –
My presence was, of course, by reason of invitation from New Life’s new Senior Pastor, Brady Boyd—a leader I’ve developed a friendship with over recent years. At age 40, and with a proven pastoral leadership record in both the Amarillo and Dallas areas, Brady was asked last July to take the pastorate formerly held by Ted Haggard. As Brady has regarded me as a mentor and one to whom, with 4 or 5 other leaders, he holds himself accountable, he was very hopeful I could be his pulpit guest before his first 6 months was completed. This explains why I happened to be present on the occasion of the shocking events last Sunday.
Having been there, let me affirm two things: (1) The miraculous intervention of God was monumentally apparent. The grace of God’s providence in the man’s being put down early in the foray most certainly saved scores of lives. Police said he had over 500 rounds of ammunition on his body and was set for a slaughter. (2) The pragmatic wisdom and preparation of the church’s security force is a lesson for us all. They, having heard of the event in Arvada earlier in the day, and only 75 miles north, prompted their special attentiveness—not because they had any reason to expect attack, but simply because a part of their pastoral style is to take every precaution, at all points, to protect those on their campus in any regard—including the least expected, an attack such as occurred.
Thank you, again, for all who have indicated their gratitude to God upon hearing I was not harmed on this tragic occasion.
Please continue to pray for New Life Church and the Pastoral Staff, as well as for the whole congregation. May God’s mercies and comfort attend them—especially at this very tender, Christmas season.
Pastor Jack Hayford
My wife, Heidi's best-friend is a YWAM leader at a base in Colorado Springs. She and her husband have been based there for years. Their offices are located in New Life Church. For the past two years in a row we have gone back there to visit them and to go snow shoeing. Yesterday there were fatal shootings both at the church and at a nearby YWAM base. It doesn't get much press, but the persecution of Christians is on the rise. In fact, some human rights groups identify Christians as the most widely persecuted group in the world (not to minimize the tragedy of the persecution of any other group). Learn more by visiting www.persecution.org. Is persecution against Christians on the rise here in the U.S.? As Christians are openly maligned and mocked (sometimes we have it coming, but it is increasingly becoming an unjust stereotype that overlooks the majority position of Christians), I believe that injustice is subtly creeping in where if it was took place against other groups, it would create a much greater reaction.Last night I received this update from our friends:
Dear Friends,
In the wake of the recent shootings here in Colorado, Karma and I wanted to let you all know that our family is safe. We are of course disturbed at the violence, and grieving at the loss of life, but none of us where anywhere near the incidents.The YWAM center in Arvada, Colorado is about 80 miles north of ushere in Colorado Springs. We do know people there, and they are a sister ministry, but we did not know the two YWAM'ers who were killedt here last night, nor the two who were wounded.The second shooting was a bit closer to home, at our church - New Life Church - though we were not there when it happened. There were five victims - one has died and the others are in the hospital. The shooter was shot and killed by a security guard at the church. There is no doubt that this guard saved many lives. The names of thevictims have not been released, so we don't know if we know any of them personally.Our YWAM offices are located at the World Prayer Center on the New Life Church campus, so this tragedy is hitting us hard so closely onthe heels of the Arvada tragedy. At this point there is only speculation about any connection between the two incidents.This evening our family gathered in the living room to talk and pray and even laugh a bit with some fond family memories. We'd appreciate your prayers for us, for YWAM, and for our church, especially through the next week or so. I'm sure this will be in the news quite a bit over the next few days. If you have any questions as you are hearing things on the news, just drop us an email or give a call.
Much love, Bill & Karma
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