The pastor who took down a carjacker at a Walmart in Tumwater, Washington, last weekend has revealed the incredible prayer he prayed over his congregation just hours before he was caught up in the tragic incident.
David George is an emergency medical technician with the Oakville Fire Department and also a pastor at the Oakville Assembly of God church. He sprang into action Sunday when a gunman and carjacker went on a rampage at in the local community.
Man Who Took Down Walmart Carjacker is Local Pastor and Off-Duty Paramedic
“I heard shots fired near the back of the store,” he stated at a press conference Thursday. “I am a concealed weapon carrier and permit holder, with significant training in the use of firearms and some of the legalities involved in a defensive encounter. As a volunteer firefighter, I have also received active shooter training. In addition, I am also a credentialed range safety officer. I train regularly to be proficient with the firearm I carry and to do so in a safe and responsible manner.”
Oakville, WA pastor David George gives his account account of Sunday's Tumwater Walmart shooting.
George is the civilian who shot and killed Tim O. Day, who had gone on a car-jacking/shooting spree. pic.twitter.com/BWopyNUxVa
— Joseph O'Sullivan (@OlympiaJoe) June 20, 2018
After giving a rundown of what occurred, George detailed an almost prophetic prayer he declared over his congregation earlier that day, just before the end of Sunday morning worship. The striking words were detailed in a report from the Chicago Tribune:
“Lord,” he said to his congregation in the town of about 700 people, “don’t let us be content as men to just let life go by, to see the world around us burn. God, instead, help us to get involved.” …
And while his prayer was recited in the context of guiding others to God, Pastor George soon found a very concrete way to practice what he preached. When all hell broke loose in the Walmart parking lot later that day, he got involved.
“I acted on Sunday to protect my family and others from the gunman and his display of obvious deadly intent. This is in accordance with both by training as an emergency responder and calling as a pastor, husband, father and grandfather,” George said Thursday.
“I am grieved that the shooter’s reckless actions endangered and hurt numerous individuals and demanded that he be stopped before doing more harm,” he added. “My family, my congregation and I are praying for the gunshot victim’s full recovery and for all those that are suffering as a result of Sunday night’s tragic events, including the shooter’s family.”
(H/T: Chicago Tribune)