18-Year-Old Missionary Shot in Birmingham Latter-Day Saints Church
An 18-year-old Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionary who was shot multiple times over the weekend is in “serious but stable” condition.
Elder Michael Fauber was shot several times while serving at the church’s Alabama Birmingham Mission last Friday, The Christian Post reports.
Fauber was in the Birmingham Stake Center in Vestavia Hills with two other missionaries and a “group of people interested in learning more about the church,” Latter-day Saints spokesperson Sam Penrod said in a statement.
That evening an unknown individual entered the building, played a few basketball games with the youth group, and later opened fire. The shooter then ran away. Police are still looking for the man.
Deputy Chief David Agee said the shooter was described as a skinny black male looking to be in his mid-20s with a light complexion who stands about 6 feet, 7 inches tall.
“This was the first time they’ve seen him at this location,” Agee told AL.com.
The two other missionaries were not hurt in the shooting.
“The Church is cooperating with law enforcement and is awaiting additional details from investigators. Our prayers are with this missionary, his family and all the missionaries and others impacted by this senseless act of violence,” he added.
Agee said he didn’t know how many shots were fired, and the shooting seemed unprovoked, but police were investigating.
“Nobody wants to hear that,” Agee said, referring to the fact that the shooting was in a church gym. “And surely we don’t, but we’re going to work very hard to track this guy down.”
Other missionaries have taken to social media to ask for prayer for the young missionary.
“Please pray for our good friend and my missionary companion Elder Michael Fauber!! There was a shooting that occurred last night and as a result Elder Fauber was shot multiple times,” Latter-day Saint missionary Carson Votava wrote in a Facebook post on Saturday.
“Right now he is in critical but stable condition in the hospital. Please pray and fast that he will be able to make a full recovery! Our prayers definitely go out to him and his family. We love you Elder Fauber!!! Get better soon!!! Heavenly Father and His angels are with you!!”
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Chalabala
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
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