Church Shooting in Ames IA

 CEN ALERT

AWARE

“Let us draw near the throne of Grace that we may find mercy in our time of need” tonight as the nation is still reeling once again from several active shooter incidents in recent weeks. Today marks yet another incident in Ames IOWA where three were killed in the church parking lot according to the Desmoines Register   report filed on June 2, 2022. The Ames sheriff confirms they practiced with vigilance to be ready to respond to incidents like this tragedy. 

READY

While CEN does not believe this is an ongoing threat to the community. However, CEN recommends all those responsible for securing their churches, ministries, businesses and schools follow the following steps found in CEN’s ReadyChurch Training Guide

1. Ensure you have your Emergency Team Roles and back ups identified and trained

2. Review your Emergency Operations Plans with your staff and congregation.

3. Check in with your local law enforcement to determine if there are any known threats 

CEN National Safety Security Officer Dan Graeber says: “Being prepared with a plan for what to do in the event you are confronted with an active assailant has a scriptural basis in Jesus' words: "for the thief cometh in the night and we know not when".  We are also told that the thief must overcome the one who is prepared to guard his home (the strong man...) This simple principle in the Bible does not necessarily mean a literal strong man physically speaking, but is indeed referring to a hard target in today's language. The person who has a plan and makes himself look hard to get.  We all must be vigilant in looking for those seeking to harm us.  Our hearts break at these horrific tragedies like Buffalo, Texas and now the church in  Ames Iowa.  We pray for the Peace of Christ to rest upon Ames IA tonight and the families at the loss of their loved ones.”

Learn from the tragedy in Ames IA by being ready using the CPPS ACTIVE ASSAILANT Video training into your home, church or city.  Contact: CEN National Safety Security Officer dan.graeber@christianemergencynetwork.net  

THERE

Let us pray together tonight:

Hebrews 4: 16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Father God Almighty, we thank you for that we can come boldly to You, directly to You because of Messiah, our risen LORD Jesus, Your only begotten Son. We never have to cease listening, watching, waiting, asking of You.  You actually long for us to come and tarry!  Your mercy sustains us to go forward, upward to You.  You never weary in helping us in any matter or circumstance whether in thanksgiving or great need.  Jesus thank You for paying the price for us to come to our Father together with You.  AMEN