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| A church in Mombasa, Kenya. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Daryona |
A Christian man was shot and killed just outside a church gate in Mombasa on January 11th after he was mistakenly identified as the church's pastor. George Muriki, a 25-year-old university student, was at the gate of his church building when approached by unidentified gunmen. One of the attackers announced, "This is the church pastor." Witnesses say the assailants then shot the innocent young man three times in the back before fleeing on a motorbike. Two nearby policemen responded quickly and, thankfully, were able to prevent further attacks on the church.
The pastor was inside the church concluding the first service at the time of the shooting. He believes the murderers are the same people who have been following him for the past three months. After the shooting incident, he and his family moved into another home to avoid possible attack. Police report that the assailants could be members of an active Islamic terror cell located within the city, whose members have been blamed for past assaults.
As the family and friends of the slain victim now grieve their devastating loss, pray that they will find solace in the hope provided through Christ's atoning death and resurrection. May God somehow use this senseless attack for His glory and higher purposes, drawing many others -- especially young people -- to faith in Him. Also pray for the perpetrators of the shooting, asking the Lord to move mightily in their hearts so that they may repent of their sins and experience His forgiveness and salvation.
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