By Sharon Mager

GAITHERSBURG, Md. —It started out as an average Sunday evening at Tri-County Baptist Church on Sunday, Nov. 3. Seventeen preschool and elementary-aged kids in the church’s “Sunday Night BLAST” program were busy in their classes. But then everything changed quickly. At about 6:40 p.m., Pastor Travis (T.J.) Johnson was in the sanctuary when he heard a huge noise in the foyer.

“I heard a crash and thought, “What fell over?” When I walked into the foyer, I realized it wasn’t something that had fallen. It was a whole car.” A man drove a black Corvette into the glass front church doors, which buckled inward.

Nathan Clemons, a church deacon, approached the driver, asking if he was okay, but he wasn’t. “The driver was clearly not doing well mentally. He backed his car up, and at full speed, he crashed into the wall of the sanctuary. We were really concerned. This was not an accident. This was an intentional action to drive the car into the church.”

Several people immediately headed to the children’s area. They secured the kids in a locked classroom and then, as the situation progressed, moved them outside to a sheltered, dark area that was more secure.

“We didn’t know what he intended to do or if he was armed,” Johnson said. Clemons continued to talk with the man until the police arrived quickly to subdue the driver. “Thankfully, there were no weapons, and he didn’t become violent after he exited the car.”

Johnson said he was proud of all who were there. “All the leaders worked together, and the kids listened very well and were respectful. They didn’t scream or panic, though there were a few tears.”

One of the kids’ grandparents took all the coats off of the coat rack and ran them to the kids so they could keep them warm. Everyone was thinking and caring for one another in beautiful ways. It was a real blessing to see the church that way under a strenuous circumstance.”

They called parents and told them what had happened and assured them their children were fine. A deacon stood outside to greet the parents and lead them to where they could safely pick up their children.

The church is boarded up in the front, working with insurance adjusters, assessing damage, and determining the next steps.

“Did you notice the cross stayed on the wall?” (The bottom of the cross is on the wall in front of the car. Photo courtesy of Tri-County Baptist Church)

Tri-County Church has built a good relationship with First Baptist Church of Damascus and their pastor, Danny Moore. “We just partnered with them last Sunday for a Trunk or Treat in the Safeway parking lot. We’ve joined them for a prayer service, and they’ve joined us. On Wednesday, Nov. 6, FBC Damascus is welcoming Tri-County to use their building to have a service thanking God for protecting them, and they’ll share testimonies about how God moved in that distressing situation.

FBC Damascus has also offered their building to Tri-County if their sanctuary isn’t ready for return on Sunday.

Johnson said Tri-County leaders would debrief, discuss what they learned from the experience, and make required changes.

Referring to photos of the accident, Johnson said, “Did you notice the cross stayed on the wall?”

The church seeks prayer as it moves forward.

Featured photo courtesy of Tri-County Baptist Church.

Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D Communications Specialist and BaptistLIFE Editor.