“When I watched that video, I saw a mother’s heart get broken” Pastor Miles McPherson said in a powerful sermon on the shooting death of Alfred Olango at Rock Church in Point Loma on Sunday.
McPherson prayed for Olango’s family, Officer Richard Gonsalves and for the protesters.
“Love those who are on the other side,” McPherson said during his sermon.
McPherson has an interesting perspective. His father was a New York police officer for more than 30 years, and his son works in law enforcement.
“I see both sides,” he said. “Police officers and citizens are human.”
McPherson said he understands there are many perspectives on the shooting and everyone is entitled to their opinion, and he hopes they express their opinion, “but please follow it with the heart of God.”
Churchgoer Janet Wessels agreed.
“It’s very important that we not get caught in our own paradigm about where we grew up or what our experience has been, but broaden that to be what God’s perspective is.
The pastor said he sees why protesters are upset, but he sees a light at the end of the darkness.
“Ultimately I would hope that we would have a dialogue. God will change our heart,” he said.
Yvonne Mangum, who attended McPherson’s sermon, also agreed.
“There’s so much hurt and pain. We need healing in the world right now,” Mangum told NBC 7.
“Pastors in this city are becoming united and I think good will come out of this,” churchgoer Dave Wessels said. “I believe that.”
Read more at Pastor Gives Healing Sermon on Olango Shooting.
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