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Atlas Twp.— It’s been nearly two weeks since Thomas Jake Sanford, drove his pickup truck through a brick wall of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on McCandlish Road in Grand Blanc and opened fire on worshippers inside. A fire reportedly set by Sanford destroyed most of the structure. Four people, not including the shooter died in the attack.

Four members were killed by gunfire. Sanford, 40 was killed by law enforcement. According to the medical chief of staff at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, the ages of the patients admitted to Henry Ford range from 6 to 78 years old.

Within days of the tragedy several area churches examined the security at the area of worship. Supporting the evaluation, on Oct. 3, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office hosted a “Safety, Security, and Survival: A Tactical Briefing for the Faith-Based Community.”

The event was organized by Sheriff Chris Swanson and included Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The session drew 506 faith leaders and attendees from over 200 congregations across Michigan, according to Swanson.

“There’s always more you can do, there’s always more you can learn” said Swanson, to those who gathered. “The information we are providing is very specific. We will work with you to keep people safe in a house of worship.”

Area wide faith communities responded to the heightened safety concerns.

“I truly hurt and pray for the Grand Blanc LDS Church Family,” said Deacon Ron Kenney, St. Mark the Evangelist, 7296 Gale Road, Grand Blanc. “But this also makes me think about our church family in these times. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is just a few miles away from St. Marks and we went into lockdown following the shooting.”

“We are taking security measures to make our people feel safe here in our house of worship,” he said. “We have a security plan and have brought in law enforcement to train our ushers and others about active shooter responses.”

Kenney said numerous questions from church members, regarding safety, have been discussed this past week.

“As far as St. Mark goes, we are taking extra precautions for the safety of our congregation,” he said.

Similarly, the First Baptist Church of Goodrich, 6116 S. State Road, Goodrich stepped up security.

“Like everyone else in our community, we were shocked, saddened, and devastated at the tragedy that took place in Grand Blanc,” said Ben Gonzales, senior pastor. “Our hearts go out to those families who lost so much in a place that should be safe and sacred.”

“In years past, that’s what Church was; a place where the doors were never locked and safety and security were the last thing on our minds,” he said. “Unfortunately, times have changed.”

“Like many churches, we have several safety measures in place, but we know that ultimately our protection and safety comes from the Lord,” he said. “Psalm 46 tells us that ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.’”

To those who may be apprehensive to attend church, let me encourage you that God never intended for you to live the Christian life alone, we need each other, added Gonzales. Scripture uses the illustration of a body, the hands, the feet, the eyes, all have a special function, but they work best when they work together.

“In spite of recent events, there is still nothing more uplifting than being part of a community of Faith with other believers,” he said.

When Paul was challenging Timothy to stand firm in the faith, he reminded him that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

“God‘s design is for the Church, the members of the body, to be a light in a dark world,” he said.