By Baptist Message staff
ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – In a joint statement released to the Baptist Message, Jan.2, Louisiana Baptist Convention President David Goza, pastor of Jefferson Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, and Steve Horn, LBC executive director, asked Louisiana Baptist churches to set aside time during Sunday services, Jan. 5, to pray for those affected by a terrorist’s assault in the Crescent City, Jan. 1:
“In light of the evil attack in New Orleans on New Years Day, we call upon our family of churches to designate specific time during worship services this Sunday, January 5, to pray ‘in one accord’ (Acts 4:24).
“We recognize there is much to pray about. We pray for those who mourn. We pray for those who are injured. We pray for our law enforcement officers. We pray for our leaders. We pray for justice.
“Let us also pray for protection, compassion, boldness and wisdom as we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us. Finally, let us pray for God’s favor as we seek the lost who live among us.”
At least 15 people died and 30 were injured after 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar drove a white Ford F-150 Lightning EV truck around a police blockade and slammed into revelers before being shot dead by police.
The attack happened around 3:17 a.m., New Year’s Day, nearly 16 hours before the kickoff of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, which was postponed to the next day.
During a news conference Jan. 2, the FBI said that Jabbar picked up the rented vehicle on Dec. 30 and the following day drove to New Orleans on Dec. 31, posting multiple videos online that declared his support for ISIS.
He stated in the videos that he “originally planned to harm his family and friends but was concerned the news headlines would not focus on the war between the believers and disbelievers.” Additionally, he stated he joined ISIS before the summer.
