Author: Texas Gospel

Young children injured in shooting at religious school in California

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Investigators in the U.S. are working to find out if a man targeted a small religious school in Northern California on Wednesday when he opened fire, critically injuring two kindergartners, before taking his own life.

Authorities believe the shooter may have targeted the school, Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, because of its religious connection. However, he had no known link to the school or the victims. Sheriff Kory L. Honea said more information is needed to determine if this was a hate crime or part of a larger plan.

The two boys, aged 5 and 6, are in critical but stable condition. Sheriff Honea expressed relief that they survived but noted they face a long recovery.

The gunman, who died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was dropped off by an Uber driver before the shooting. Detectives are interviewing the driver as part of the investigation.

Before the shooting, the man had a meeting with a school administrator about enrolling a child. The meeting was described as “cordial,” and this was his first time at the school. Soon after, gunfire erupted.

The gunman’s body was found near the school’s playground. A handgun was discovered nearby.

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OROVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Our Hearts Are with Feather River Adventist School

The Oroville Police has Increased School Security to Support Our Community

“The Oroville Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the victims, families, and the entire community affected by the tragic incident that occurred on December 4, 2024, at Feather River Adventist School. No parent, child, or educator should ever face such an unimaginable event, and our hearts go out to all those impacted.

Butte County has endured more than its share of hardships, and this incident strikes at the core of our close-knit community. Events like this remind us of the importance of unity, resilience, and unwavering support for one another.

The Oroville Police Department will continue to offer our support to the Butte County Sheriff (Office) in any way we can to assist their ongoing investigation.

We understand that incidents of this nature, especially when they happen close to home, can create heightened anxiety for parents, students, and school staff. Please know that the safety and well-being of our community remain our top priority.

To provide reassurance and a sense of security, the Oroville Police Department has increased its presence at all school campuses in Oroville. Our officers, including our School Resource Officers, are trained for situations like this and are dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for students, educators, and families.

Officers will remain on campus to offer visible support and ensure everyone’s safety during this difficult time. We encourage anyone experiencing anxiety or in need of support to reach out to school counselors or local resources available in our community.

Together, we will navigate this tragedy and work toward healing as a community.”

Steve Ladd’s Message of Love Through Music

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Gospel singer Steve Ladd has felt a calling to ministry since he was a child. Growing up in Ohio as the son of an evangelist, his life was deeply influenced by faith and service. Now, as an accomplished musician, Ladd continues to share his message of love and compassion through his music.

In his latest song, Everyday Saints, Ladd reflects on the unsung heroes in our lives. He describes the song as a tribute to those who selflessly serve others without hesitation.

“Everyday Saints is an uplifting song that just shines a spotlight on the people in our lives and our communities and our churches,” Ladd explains. “Anytime help is asked, anytime help is needed, they’re the first ones to show up, the first ones, and a lot of times the only ones that show up time after time.”

Ladd’s words capture the heart of his message. He believes these “everyday saints” live their lives with a clear purpose, answering the question, What would Jesus do? “That’s exactly what He calls us to do,” Ladd continues, “to serve people, to love people, to share His love with people.”

Through his song, Ladd emphasizes that sharing love often means giving of oneself. “A lot of times, that’s the only way we can share His love—by giving of ourselves, of our time, and helping people. Because that’s exactly what Jesus would do,” he says.

With his heartfelt message, Ladd hopes to inspire others to follow the example of these everyday heroes.

Texas Man Arrested with Explosives, Weapons: Planned Church Attack, Authorities Say

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

WHITE SETTLEMENT—A man taken into custody last last month in White Settlement, Texas had explosives, firearms, and ammunition in his van and reportedly told authorities he planned to attack a local church, according to details obtained by The Dallas Morning News.

A press release from the The White Settlement Police Department says officers were alerted to a suspicious vehicle early in the morning of November 26, 2024. Officers responded to a neighbourhood where they found a white passenger van with a man sitting in the driver’s seat.

Police noted the man had a handgun in his lap and appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Officers engaged him in conversation and, during a moment when he was not holding the weapon, safely detained him.

Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers spotted two devices they suspected were improvised explosives. Additional firearms, including a rifle and an AR-style pistol, were also found inside the van.

Law enforcement agencies quickly secured the area, with support from the Fort Worth Police and Fire Departments and the Fort Worth Fire Department Bomb Squad. The devices were confirmed to be improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and were safely removed.

Federal agencies, including the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, have joined the investigation. Authorities are now examining the suspect’s motives and potential targets, with federal or state charges likely to follow.

The suspect was taken to a medical facility and remains in custody as police and federal agents pursue search warrants and continue their inquiries.

The White Settlement Fire Department also assisted at the scene, and the neighbourhood perimeter has since been lifted. Officials have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat in the area.

Police are working to determine why the man was parked in the neighbourhood and to uncover more details about the planned attack.

The Folly of Worldly Wisdom

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JEFF TURNER

What does God think of human wisdom? The Bible shows us that He has exposed its limitations and folly. Humanity, boasting in its intellect, claimed it could find and understand God completely. God allowed this wisdom to operate freely, giving it the vast universe to study and thousands of years to discover Him. Yet, despite having the stars, earth, and life as evidence of His power and nature, worldly wisdom failed.

The ancient world, instead of finding God, fell into deep moral decay. People worshipped idols—blocks of wood and stone—while engaging in vile practices. Instead of honoring the Creator, they exalted vices and called them religion. Human reasoning, when left to itself, revealed its depravity, proving its inability to discover God or true worship.

God, in His wisdom, chose a different path to reveal Himself—not through human intellect, but through the “foolishness” of preaching. As Scripture declares, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). True understanding comes not from prideful reasoning but from humble, child-like faith in Him.

Protesters Interrupt Mass at U.K. Cathedral

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Anti-Israeli demonstrators disrupted a Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh, causing a scene during the sacred distribution of Holy Communion.

Around 30 individuals entered the church and interrupted the service, demanding that Christian churches publicly support those who identify as Palestinian and denounce Israel’s actions following the Hamas-led invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023.

The Archdiocese of Armagh condemned the protest, calling it “very disappointing” and “inappropriate,” especially as it disrupted a significant part of the liturgy.

In a statement, the Church emphasized its compassion for the suffering people of Gaza and reiterated its condemnation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The incident highlights the tensions surrounding the war and its broader impact on global communities, including places of worship.