What a heart breaking situation. We'll certainly keep the family and church in our prayers.

I was a pastor in a neighboring church when Fred started at FBC. We thought he was young and brash. Well, he was young but his brashness was confidence in the LORD. He proved the LORD year after year at FBC.

I pray for his dear, wonderful family. I pray for the church that the LORD built through him. And all his friends need prayer too. He will be sorely missed.

What can churches/individuals do to be of assistance?

Mark Bushor
Killeen, Texas

This is truly sad and my heart breaks for his family and church family. My wife and I are praying for all of them. We sometimes don't understand why such things happen and we are hurt and affected greatly by them, but we know that Christ Jesus loves us and holds those who have been affected directly by this.

Some how God will be glorified in this circumstance. How? I don't know, but I know that all things happen with in God's purposes and will. He will be glorified in this circumstance. We can rely on that, because it is guaranteed.

In Christ,
Mike Frye

I live about 7 miles south of FBC. Our pastor at UMC Fairview Heights new Fred well...and is clearly spooked by this event. We all are. And we all grieve for his family--esp. his wife and two daughters.

But I think we miss the larger point: Fred died for Christ. He's a martyr, and in his bloody witness, he'll exalt Christ. As Mike pointed out, even in suffering, Christ is glorified.

Demian Farnworth

Fred and I were friends in college at Southwest Baptist University. I remember him as one who, at an early age, had already "connected" his theology with his passion. He didn't turn of his heart to engage his brain and vice versa. He loved Jesus and loved the Bride of Christ. I'll enjoy seeing him again on that great day in heaven. God grant peace to Cindy and the girls.

I'm so sorry to hear this tragic news. I do not know this man or his family, but want the family to know I will be praying for a peace that passes all understanding that only our God can give. Humbly praying ....

I've had the privilege of knowing Pastor Fred for 17 years. He baptized my youngest daughter and my son-in-law. He was with us at the hospital right after our granddaughter passed away. There were so many times that he ministered to us and right now, those times loom large in my mind.
Although we are no longer attending First Baptist Maryville, we still love that church. As well as Fred, his wife and daughters, we have many friends who are serving through that church. They are all hurting and trying to come to grips with an unbelievable shock, but those who were attending that early morning service are struggling with an image they cannot erase -- watching their pastor gunned down in front of them, and watching that gunman struggle with an injur other members of the church.
Please be in prayer for FBCM, Fred's family, his flock, his staff, and the community who knew him, loved him, and respected him.
Knowing that he has entered his heavenly home brings some comfort, and I personally have an image of my youngest daughter meeting him at the gate and saying, "Welcome home, brother."