Reporting on how a popular pastor in Forest Hill was bludgeoned to death with an electric guitar Monday, it's easy to focus on the violent act.
Yet the death of the Rev. Danny Kirk Sr. was a showcase of character.
Hundreds swarmed the Greater Sweethome Missionary Baptist Church upon word of his death.
They comforted each other and prayed, but they couldn't enter the building; it was an active crime scene with Texas Rangers investigating.
So they went next door to the Forest Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church, where the Rev. Michael Bailey opened his doors for prayer and counseling. Pastor Bailey was sick Monday, but he showed up for the community.
Also on hand was Rev. Maverick Gayden of Pilgrim Valley Baptist Church of Fort Worth, a longtime friend of Kirk.
He reminded the people that Scripture calls them to have forgiving hearts, even for the slayer of their beloved pastor. He urged them to remember the killer's family in their prayers.
And then the people worshiped God.
Walking down the hill away from the gathering, Gayden said Kirk taught his people well.
"He'd be pleased," the pastor said.
-- Bill Miller
Comments