Church of Christ minister in Aurora, Colo., asks for prayers after theater shooting

Saturday update: Larry Wishard’s detailed account of his experience.

Twelve people were killed and 59 injured today when a former medical student in a gas mask barged into a crowded Denver-area theater during a midnight showing of the Batman movie, The Associated Press reports.
The Christian Chronicle contacted Larry Wishard, minister for the Southeast Church of Christ in Aurora, Colo., and received this report this morning:

Just got back from the hospital. Got a text that one of the members of our church had a family member shot but is OK. Pray for Kirsten and friends.
Heard reports of some who had lost loved ones and tried to comfort them. In a room with 10 teens who were there for their friend. The hospital chaplain and a couple of local pastors were present.
We heard from two people who had just returned from their honeymoon yesterday and went to the movie theater at midnight. These two had been shot in the leg and rear end but were OK. Their friend, Josh, had a part of his arm blown away. After being shot they laid down on top of each other for a while. The gunman had thrown a tear gas can like a pop can. Then began to fire. He had shot a while and stopped. Then people started to get up and run out and as they clustered he shot many more. This couple has been traumatized. They spoke of having to step over an apparently deceased man.
Pray for these families and for our town and this nation please.

• Feedback
  This is a commentary on the days in which we live and the culture of our nation. A highly intelligent young man growing up in the American Dream seemingly has no greater mission in life than to destroy the lives of so many others.
  This man will likely spent the rest of his life in prison. Although we have the highest imprisonment rate in the civilized world with 730 per 100,000 population compared to Russia with 550 and China with 120, we still cannot stop the violence. God’s people have answer. We must share it.

  Don Selvidge

  July, 21 2012

  I doubt that prayers will do anything. God is expecting us to do what we are praying that he do. Why should we expect God to comfort someone he allowed to be shot. Notice I said allowed not that he shot them. After all every Sunday we thank God for our safety, our jobs, our houses, etc. If God is responsible doesn’t that mean he withheld his blessings from these injured folks allowing them to be shot? If God was going to get involved wouldn’t it be easier to prohibit the shooting? His people can comfort and help. Don’t we say we are the face of God to the world? We are God’s hands and feet to the world? The question is will we?

  John Jenkins

  July, 24 2012