A desperate man with a gun turned to his pastor for help. Just before 9 pm, the pastor of a Burlington church told officers a man called him for help and asked him to pick him up at a local store.
When the pastor picked him up and brought him to the church office, the man began telling him about his problems and his feeling that everyone would be better off without him.
The man then pulled a gun and put it to his head before asking the pastor to pray with him. The pair prayed, but the man left the church while the pastor called 9-1-1 for help.
Police identified Joseph Whaley as the suspect. They made plans to locate him and check his welfare. Then, of course, question him about the incident.
Publisher’s Note: I would like to acknowledge Rev. LaShawn Kaigler of the First Baptist Church of Burlington.
Rev. Kaigler was recently hired to lead the church from his former leadership role at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Columbus. This situation was very volatile. The Reverend remained faithful to serve the troubled man despite that a likely outcome could result in tragedy.
If you would like to send a note of thanks and encouragement to the pastor, here is the mailing address.
First Baptist Church of Burlington
7475 County Road 1 South Point OH 45680.
