The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. joins the United States and the world in prayer for the city of Minneapolis, MN, the families, neighbors and friends who have been impacted by the senseless, devastating, and tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School. Our hearts are broken in the loss of two bright, young lives, and the eighteen children and adults who were injured.
We salute the dedicated First Responders who courageously acted to secure the safety of those at Annunciation Church and in the surrounding area. Their bravery and quick action, along with those within Annunciation Church, aided in reducing what could have been tragedy on an even greater scale.
I encourage you to continue to pray for the city of Minneapolis, the families of all who were tragically impacted, and the Annunciation Church community. In times of tragedy, we come together across denominational lines to unify in prayer and comfort to one another. Our Second Assistant Presiding Bishop, Bishop Richard D. Howell, a Minneapolis resident, has been in meetings with decision makers on forging a path forward towards community healing and violence reduction.
Despite the challenges we see ahead, we yet hold on to our faith in the Lord and hope for the future. With heartbreak, we yet look to the Lord to be our strength and comfort. As it is written in Psalm 46: 1 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” We hold fast to our faith that God is indeed our strength and refuge even in the midst of this heartbreak. In this, we find comfort.
Our hearts go out to the Hortman and Hoffman families and the communities throughout Minnesota that are deeply affected by the senseless violence. We remain postured in prayer for all those who must now navigate grief, trauma, fear and uncertainty fallowing these assassination efforts. We unilaterally condemn violence and murder, and we pray that the suspected assassin is brought to justice.
I have been in conversation with 2nd Assistant Presiding Bishop Richard D. Howell, Minneapolis resident and Diocesan of the Minnesota Wisconsin and Dakotas Council. I shared with Bishop Howell the P.A.W. ‘s commitment to prayer for the healing of the Minnesota community, comfort for the grieving, and healing for the hearts and souls of all impacted. Despite the turmoil of the times, we yet hold on to our faith in the Lord and hope for the future. We pray for the political leadership of the State of Minnesota and the United States of America. We know that indeed “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46: 1 ). Further more, we hold fast to the promise of God found in 2 Chronicles 7: 14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”