The man who helped stop the gunman in the deadly Texas church shooting earlier this week is in need of prayer.
The town of Sutherland Springs, Texas is Stephen Willeford’s home and the community there is very dear to him. That was why, when he heard the gunshots coming from the First Baptist Church near his home, he grabbed his gun and ran out the door, looking to protect his friends who were inside the church.
Willeford engaged in a gunfight with the shooter, Devin Kelley. He wounded Kelley who then sped off in his vehicle and was later found dead by law enforcement.
Although Willeford initially believed he had killed Kelley, law enforcement later said they believe Kelley died from a self-inflicted shot to the head.
Twenty-six people lost their lives in the shooting, but the death toll would likely have been much higher if not for Willeford’s bravery.
Willeford doesn’t view himself as a hero, but simply as someone through whom the Lord was working in that moment.
“I’m no hero, I am not,” Willeford said, according to The Stream. “I think my God, my Lord, protected me and gave me the skills to do what needed to be done. I just wish I’d gotten there faster.”
Willeford’s friends describe him as a faithful Christian. After the shooting, Willeford was distraught, as were many residents of Sutherland Springs. His friend, John Wood, said he could use prayer.
“That PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is going to be something that’s with him and the whole family for a while,” Wood said. “He is a blessing to many. They need lots of prayers and blessings to get through this situation themselves.”
Photo: Law enforcement officials continue their investigation at Sutherland Springs Baptist Church as the sun begins to rise on November 6, 2017 in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Yesterday a gunman, Devin Patrick Kelly, killed 26 people at the church and wounded many more when he opened fire during a Sunday service.
Photo courtesy: Scott Olson/Getty Images
Publication date: November 9, 2017