LAKELAND, Fla. — With a gunman still on the loose for nearly a week now and almost a dozen people in a Polk County neighborhood still recovering from that attempted mass killing, people are feeling tense.
“Scary, scary,” said resident Tia Harris. ”A lot of people got hurt and it coulda been anybody, so you gotta stay prayed up and tell God to forgive them whoever did. This guy needs to get off the streets.”
What You Need To Know
- A gunman is still at large after 12 people were injured in a mass shooting last week
- The Freedom Church visited the community where the incident happened, offering food and prayers
- The church calls it the "Freedom Tour," something they've been doing for the past seven years for communities impacted by violence or natural disasters
Apparently some of their prayers are being answered. This is the second time in a week The Freedom Church in Polk County has turned this one frightening crime scene into a place where lives are saved and loved.
Members of The Freedom Church handed out food and snacks to members of the community Sunday.
“We had chicken. All the chickens are gone. Then we have almond milk, fruit punch. There was lemonade, different juices, then, actually, French fries,” said Pastor Bobby Williams. “It’s our job to be the light in dark places. People need help.”
Unfortunately for these people, they didn't have to go far.
“Especially with everything being so high and expensive. Yes Lord," said resident Sabrina Harris. “Every time I turn on the TV it's everywhere. It ain't just in Lakeland, it's everywhere. Here right now, it’s peace. It’s calm. It’s love.”
Pastor Bobby got to experience that love for himself from one of the people who's been spreading that love, too.
“People struggle. I mean they struggle physically, financially, all that they struggle,” he said. “And they’re looking for somebody who cares. So when you care, you show them love and they respond with love for that, there’s no better feeling.”