Faith Over Fear: 8th Grader Turns to Prayer during Annunciation Catholic School Tragedy
He says that he hid under the pew and prayed and then came to realize “I can't just sit here and focus on myself, knowing that with God on my side, I will be fine." After this, Willis went to “help out my fellow classmates, keep them calm and safe and let them know that they will be okay."
[Charisma News] In the middle of a dark and horrifying moment, one middle schooler turned to his faith in Jesus. (Screengrab image: via TODAY Show)
According to ChurchLeaders, 13-year-old Javen Willis said that when gunfire hit through the chapel windows of Annunciation Catholic School, he dropped to the floor in prayer, believing he would be protected "with God on my side."
Willis also told the TODAY show that "A lot of my classmates thought it was confetti and fireworks, but I didn't think they'd have that during the middle of the church service."
He says that he hid under the pew and prayed and then came to realize "I can't just sit here and focus on myself, knowing that with God on my side, I will be fine." After this, Willis went to "help out my fellow classmates, keep them calm and safe and let them know that they will be okay."
Willis was baptized the previous week, and his faith brought comfort and peace to those around him in the middle of a nightmare.
His mother, Melissa Willis, said that she "...thanked God and cried and held [him]..."
Willis is a true hero.
Another student, Weston Halsne, described how his friend also shielded him as well, covering him from gunfire while getting hit.
The bravery of these children during this horrific scene is a reminder that God has called us to be bold and courageous and to care for one another with the same kind of sacrificial love that Christ has for us. Continue to pray for all those impacted by this tragedy. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
