Pray for Waukesha

Please pray for my friends, the Bible school, the victims, and the city of Waukesha.

In 2009, Deb, my then-girlfriend, soon-to-be-fiancée began her second year of Bible school at New Tribes Bible Institute in Waukesha, Wisconsin. I began my first semester in the Fall of that year. The Lord used NTBI’s chronological, Bible-intensive program to radically shape our lives and prepare us for marriage and a lifetime of fruitful ministry, both oversees and in the States.

Even now we have friends who have stayed on at NTBI (now Ethnos360) to serve in a variety of ways. Waukesha is a beautiful city, full of ministry opportunities and churches to become a part of. It truly is a great place for hungry college students grow in their understanding of Christ and His Word—and work to pay off school bills. I drove school busses, learned to love the city, and cared for a young man with autism.

Today, tragedy struck my former stomping grounds. A man, just out on bail, drove his SUV at a dangerous speed through a Christmas parade, striking between 20-40 adults and children, killing at least one. A few of my friends were eyewitnesses. From a friend named Mike:

When [his wife] and I walked to the Waukesha city holiday parade this afternoon, we had no idea the event would end in tragedy.

Right before our eyes, we saw a red SUV that had plowed through the police barricade and was speeding down the shoulder of a narrow downtown road. It’s reported that up to 40 are injured or dead.

Right in front of us, [his wife] and I saw an officer draw his weapon, stand in front of the vehicle, but then dodge out of the way.

Further up the street, the vehicle started plowing through participants and bystanders.

We immediately rushed home, and it was quite frightening and traumatic. I keep getting a lump in my throat as I hear the reports come in.

This is another report from a friend named Jennifer:

Please pray for my friends, the Bible school, the victims, and the city of Waukesha. Pray for the local churches involved in the aftermath. Pray for the salvation of those contemplating their eternity tonight.

Pray for the soul of the man who committed this senseless atrocity—that someone might proclaim the Gospel clearly to him, and that He might surrender to Christ as Lord.

Finally, pray that true, God-honoring justice would be served.