Official response of condemnation from Pastor Don regarding the recent horrific acts of sin and evil:
Disgusted. Sickened. Angry. Outraged. Mourning. Lamenting. Righteously indignant. These are the flood of emotions I am still feeling after watching the barbaric slaughter of George Floyd by the very people who were to uphold and protect the lives and dignity of all citizens in their community.
In the past, I have failed you as your pastor for not being more vocal regarding racism. I addressed it behind the pulpit, but that isn’t enough. As I weep and plead to God for forgiveness, I ask my church family to forgive me. I am silent no more. To my brown and black brothers, I confess that I will never experience discrimination the way you have or unfortunately will in the future. Please let it be known that as your pastor, I empathize with you. As your pastor, I stand next to you to fight the evil of racism to the best of my ability with God and the Holy Spirit as my helper. If ever wrongly accused of something purely because of the color of your skin, as your pastor, I will fight for and with you to the bitter end. When I watched the horrific videos of this barbaric act of violence, I could not help but to think that could be my brown or black brother suffering the same demise. The very realization of that possibility shook me to the very core of my own humanity. I wept.
As a former police officer who wore the badge and swore to serve and protect my community, I am embarrassed. I’m also embarrassed for the police community. This is not the police. I weep knowing that the 1% poisoned the reputation of 99%. Police brutality must be eradicated. I stand next to my brothers and sisters in blue who condemn this horrific act by those who should never been given the privilege of wearing the badge, and I pray for God to keep you safe during these tumultuous times as you keep us safe.
Sin and evil reared its ugly head. Racism is sin. Racism is pure evil. God hates sin. God hates evil. Therefore, God hates racism. As your pastor, I will not tolerate any form of discrimination at Lighthouse. For anyone who attends Lighthouse who discriminates in any way, as the shepherd watching the flock, I give you two options: Change your heart or find another church. Racism will not be tolerated at Lighthouse while under my watch. God teaches us in scripture that the only way to defeat evil and sin is through love. During these trying times, let us all stand together in unity and defeat all forms evil and sin through love. Peace…
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:9-10
Thank you pastor for sharing your position with us. While there are good Police Officers and overall good people we have to keep those who think bad behavior is some kind of a badge, in our prayers. They would come to know Jesus through the power of His suffering. Our love for God is what should motivate us to continually pray for them, as they are in the darkness. And when the light which we are comes, darkness have to flea, in Jesus name. Thank for sharing your position with us, it means the world to us. But keep hope alive God is not through with none of us.
We love you and pray Gods continued grace and blessings upon you.GB
Pastor, I and my family thank you for voicing your opinion. Too often, these evils are brushed aside and ignored. As a mother of black men, its a frightening world. If we did not know and trust in God, it would be very difficult to live a normal life. Living in fear is an affliction in itself. Just wish that these actions are more frequently condemned. Because the Lord is touched with our infirmities, I can imagine how grieved He must be. He is our avenger and I am praying that all this will be resolved in peace. Much respect to you for taking such a brave stance for all. We know that we are wrestling with satan and I am convinced that He is defeated. Thank you for voicing your hearfelt concerns!!
Amen. Pastor Don. I totally agree with you.
Thank you pastor for taking a stance on the ungoing evilness that is committing by our law enforcement officers to our people mainly blacks! This country needs lots of healing and good quality leaderahips in place to educate everyone when it comes to equality!Our president doesn’t help when he himself inflicted racism in our nation. It’s hard to explain racism to white people, because they are in denials and said it doesn’t exist! As a Navy veterans, worked for the Department of Justice, for a total of 42yrs all government services, my experiences of racism was very bad. Everyday going to work was a battlefield! As a black person and parent for black kids, seeing all what is going on with the constant police brutalities need to be stopped. As the pastor for our church, you taught us how to Love one another and gave us positive reenforcement to believe that anything is possible, but, it will not be easy unless we fight the battle the right way.The bible is our weapon and without it we’ve nothing! You’re a good pastor and I trust you’ll continued to do the right thing in God’s eye! Great message you orchestrated and I am extremely proud of you! God bless Pastor!
Yes I agree that justice must be done and we must alway pray for a better world but let not forget that racism doesn’t only have one color it can cover all colors maybe some more than others but it is still evil no matter what color and we must remember to not faulty acuse someone as in other case’s. Let’s pray that The Lord will change people’s hearts and we all can live united. As per Minnesota police all that were involved should to held and go to court and those people that were stealing and damaging store’s and property should also to held accountable, justice must be served on all counts. Blessings to all and God help us all. Amen
I am a little calm now, after the indignation was watching the video of the murder, and all I can say is, God forgive me for how I feel want those officers to Pay Like. I love the blue angels, but the few evil demons that have infiltrated the force, make me want to have the power to fix things… my way… God forgive me!
Amen My Brother I stand with you it’s a shame that a few unGodly people ruin it for all. We will pray with you for there souls and pray that The lord put someone into there path to open there eyes and hearts. May God Grace flow thru the family.