02/25/2026
Church Family,
It is with heavy hearts that we ask you to join us in prayer for our local law enforcement and our neighboring communities. On Monday afternoon and into Tuesday morning, a profound tragedy unfolded in Christian County. Two sheriff's deputies were killed in the line of duty, and two others were wounded.
Deputy Gabriel Ramirez (30) was fatally shot during a traffic stop near Highlandville. Hours later, during a shootout with the suspect, Deputy Michael Hislope (40) was killed while courageously trying to reach and rescue his wounded fellow officers. Both of these men were Army veterans who had served overseas in combat before returning home to protect and serve our community here in Missouri.
We also lift up in prayer Christian County Deputy Josh Wahl and Webster County Deputy Austin McCall, who were both wounded in the exchange and are currently recovering.
In times of senseless violence and profound loss, we turn to the truth of Scripture, resting in the sovereign providence of God. We know that God has ordained the civil magistrate to bear the sword for the public good, to protect the innocent, and to maintain justice. These men laid down their lives in the faithful ex*****on of that duty.
"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).
As a church body, let us weep with those who weep. Pray earnestly for the wives, children, and families of Deputy Ramirez and Deputy Hislope, whose lives have been forever altered. Pray that the God of all comfort would draw near to them in this dark valley.
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).
May we honor their sacrifice, and may we continually pray for the safety of all those who put on the uniform to keep our communities safe.
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