Baltimore pastor delivers easter sermon after gunshot
Pastor Rashad Singletary, leader of Mount Olive Baptist Church of Turner Station, defied a harrowing week to deliver an impassioned easter Sunday sermon, just days after surviving an armed carjacking that left him with a gunshot wound to the foot. The incident, and his subsequent return to the pulpit, has resonated deeply within the Baltimore community and beyond.
A week of trauma, a message of resilience
Singletary recounted the ordeal to WJZ, explaining that he was in his driveway last week, preparing his vehicles for easter services, when a suspect approached him demanding his keys. The request quickly escalated when the suspect produced a 9mm handgun and fired a shot directly into Singletary's foot. “Took out a 9mm and took a shot,” he recalled, describing the immediate aftermath as a surge of adrenaline that prompted him to briefly pursue the fleeing assailant before reconsidering.
The immediate aftermath was chaotic. Despite the fractured foot and evident trauma, Singletary felt an unwavering sense of duty. He stated, “It behooved me that despite going through what I went through that Wednesday, that my call was greater than my crisis.” The decision to return to church on Sunday wasn't merely about personal fortitude, but about providing a beacon of hope for his congregation.
The pastor's words on Sunday – “Neighbor, he is a bulletproof God” – were met with fervent affirmation and a palpable sense of shared strength. It was a declaration not just of faith, but of defiance against the violence that has plagued Baltimore. The incident underscores a stark reality: even those dedicated to serving their communities are not immune to its perils. Yet, Singletary’s response – his immediate return to ministry – speaks volumes about the enduring power of faith and the resolve of the community.
While police are still searching for the suspect, the focus remains on the message of hope and resilience delivered by Singletary. His story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, faith can provide an anchor and inspire unwavering dedication to one’s purpose. The trajectory of his week, from victim of a violent crime to a symbol of spiritual strength, offers a compelling narrative of community and perseverance.