A pastor at a church in Missouri is sharing how the decision to pray stopped a robbery during a service.
In an interview with Fox News, Marquaello Futrell, who is also a former police officer, explained how he went into action during the intense Sunday church service.
“They came into church. We believe that they were up to no good. I just had that instinct and I just started maneuvering while trying to conduct the service to keep the people calm,” he said.
Futrell told local NBC affiliate 5 On Your Side that because of his work as a police officer, he “immediately noticed” there was something on their waistbands.
During the Fox News interview, Futrell revealed he found out later that one of the four masked men dropped his gun on the floor before he went over to pray for him.
The gunmen were also wanted in connection to two other robberies at convenience stores, according to Futrell.
He said he believed the men had ill intentions when they decided to enter into the church.
“We believe they were intending to rob us, do some harm,” Futrell said. “But we believe God is the greatest power and we cannot be defeated.”
Futrell explained the men “knew that they were being recorded,” which led him to alert his “media team” to put cameras on them, because he was aware the police were “possibly” on their way to the church.
After the incident, Futrell said that they found out later that one of the assailants committed a robbery an hour prior to entering into the church. This was based on a tattoo on his hand that identified him.
Futrell shared how his congregation reacted to the incident. He noted that not all the members were really aware of what was transpiring.
“Many of the congregants were just thankful that I was able to navigate them through that process with the help of the Holy Spirit — the Holy Ghost,” he shared.
The incident happened on Feb. 12 at All Creation Family Church. During the service, Futrell is heard on the Facebook live stream asking the men who sent them to the church.
“Ya’ll just saw the church and decided to come?” he asked.
Colossians 4:2 says, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
After Futrell questioned them, he is heard saying on the live stream that he still has “a cop anointing.”
“And I still know what’s going on and what’s about to happen. God’s about to change the plot of the enemy. Lift your voice and shout unto God,” he continued.
Futrell and the members of the church were unharmed.
The four men left the church and are still at large, according to the Ferguson Police Department.