Rev. Martin P. Lombardo shouts outside the
New Jersey Statehouse. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Ordained as ministers last year, Stephen Ocean (23) and Tite Sufra (24) spent most of their time preaching to troubled youths in the streets before being gunned down Saturday night by an 18-year-old man named Jeriah Woody. According to police reports, the ministers had been preaching to Woody for about 15 minutes. Woody walked away, then inexplicably turned around and came running back to kill both men. Woody surrendered to Boynton Beach police this morning.
Ocean and Sufra are not the first men to be attacked while preaching in the streets. Several months ago, Justin Eiland was charged with battery after lashing out at street preachers in downtown DeLand, Florida. Eiland said they had made him feel guilty about going out for a drink. There are countless other examples of verbal and physical assaults against people preaching in the streets.
Street preaching has its roots in the Bible. According to the Book of Mark (16:15), Jesus told his disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” Street preachers have helped turn around troubled youth, get prostitutes off the street, and encourage addicts to seek treatment.
However, Jesus also said, “And if a home or town refuses to welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake its dust off your feet.” (Matthew 10:14) In other words, if your words are not welcomed, leave. Not all street preachers have heeded that second part of Jesus’ guidance. Some street preachers have been called aggressive or even a “public nuisance,” creating “loud and unseemly noise” on busy street corners and college campuses. According to one City Councilwoman in Tennessee, “These people are creating a public nuisance, verbally assaulting and insulting our visitors and horrifying and grossing out children, and how they can get away with it is beyond me.”
For citizens who are offended, the Official Street Preachers site offers a complaint form with the following assurance:
All complaints will be sent to the official complaint window located below [photo of brick wall] for review and… all copies will be filed in our Official Street Preachers Complaint File System located below [photo of six trash cans.]
The law seems a bit fuzzy on the balanced point between freedom of speech and freedom from unwelcome proselytizing. In the meantime, there is never any justification for murdering unarmed human beings in the street, and I offer my deepest condolences to the families of everyone involved in this local tragedy.
Comments
To me this is an example right out of the Book of Acts. Paul would have been killed if not for some shrewd brothers in Christ watching his back. Since God was sovereignly in control, permitting this killer's actions, I'm sure those preachers have no regrets for being in heaven at this moment. However, I do lament the inevitable criticism of open air preaching by both the world and certain "Christians" who will say, "I told you so." What's ironic is that many of those "Christians" are going to hear, "I told you so." from Jesus when they see the honors he'll bestow on those preachers before the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Amen! I agree with Bill. We are all going to die some day and what better way than to go out preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! We are in the last days and we all need to be ready to face God on judgment day. Only through Jesus Christ can we enter into the Kingdom of Heaven! Praise Jesus!
Well, it would be nicer to hear them preaching the full gospel...10 commandments are god's law, we all have broken them and even breaking just one, one time is sin and condemns us to Hell. God is Holy and will not be with sinners, but He is also merciful and sent His only Son...Jesus Christ...to pay the penalty or "pay or fine" in His court of just judgement,on our behalf. The requirement to obtain this mercy...repentant heart...confess your sin as sin to God, ask His forgiveness, and Surrender to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Then...follow Him, read your Bible and do what it says. But...this guy's right...God has two answers...I know you, I don't know you....Heaven or Hell. No other options.
Two me are murdered for warning a sinner of his impending doom and you have to use it as an opportunity to complain about some imaginary bad street preachers. How about sticking with the facts. The city councilwoman quoted above knows nothing of what she is speaking and obviously neither do you.
lol 2:15
The following is by no means a commentary of the disposition of the ministers who paid the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out the great commission. The scriptures are intended as reminders of how to reflect the purpose and plan of God as Ambassadors of the Lord:
Matthew 5:5
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
Matthew 11:29
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
2 Timothy 2:24-26
"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."
To the author, thank you for posting this... Blessings to all!
Fort Lauderdale Christianity Examiner.
Sounds like to me this woman makes it sound like its the preachers fault.If this would of been a Muslim killed or gays it would of been a hate crime.They are doing what the Bible commands go into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in.We have to many cowardly Christians stay behind the four walls and never come out to confront the sinner.Funny the Media never picked this up?Jesus said if they hate me they are going to hate you because you are not of this world.These so called Christians on here are not hated because they are of this world.God Bless these men great is there reward in heaven!!
I agree with you but sadly the 'world' will 'welcome' the death of these men, because they don't want to hear what God/Jesus has to say to this 'dying world'. The Bible is being fulfilled at a rapid pace, one more reason to be about our father's business. God have mercy on and help those who need it the most, we're truly living in the last days.
I agree with Gabriel. I used to work with Tite. We had a conversation a religion once and I told him I was an atheist.
He was surprised to here this and we talked about it. He was never pushy or belligerent in our conversation. Tite was very much a gentle giant. Shame on you Deb Brown for this article. After reporting this murder, you almost immediately go into aggressive street preachers. After reading your article I also feel that I should mention that I am caucasian. May these young men rest in peace.
Thanks for your kind words about those two men, who are most assuredly "resting in peace", until the Lord calls them home. They'd done what the Lord asked them to do and that's the most important thing here. ABC although you say you're an atheist, PLEASE KNOW that God and Jesus love and are concerned about you, and are waiting for you to come and to get to 'know' them, before time finally draws to a close.
Would you be willing to do what that young man asked you to do, by calling on God and Jesus and asking 'them' to 'reveal' themselves to you, in order for you to get to know them for yourself?
PLEASE believe me when I tell you, 'they do exist' (as does satan), and this world is in for some extremely dark and perilous times, such as which we've NEVER experienced in our life time. Jesus said that He will make Himself available to ALL who seek Him, PLEASE GIVE HIM THE CHANCE TO DO THAT FOR YOU? Thanks again for your kind words about 'the gentle giant'.
I do agree with the somewhat biased angle Deb Brown had on this article as being a bit disturbing in the part where she offers a street preacher complaint form. I feel its a big loss to have these preachers gone but there are on their way to the best place in existance, heaven. Their reward shall be great in heaven. Its so sad how men just trying to spread the gospel get killed like thats. And I find it equally as disturbing that gays seem to have more societal tolerance than religious Christians nowadays. Its quite a shame. But may God bless both the preacher's families in the time and bless both of the preachers in heaven.
Typical Marxist Deb Brown makes her vile hatred of Christianity well known in this article which first gives the news of two young men murdered for the mere fact of preaching to someone, then she goes on into spouting her blatant vile propaganda to quote people who think street preachers are "verbally assaulting and insulting our visitors and horrifying and grossing out children", she then even dares to imply street preachers are not obeying the Bible and gives her own demented interpretation.
Marxists like Deb Brown never cease to spout their vile filth in this Antichrist nihilistic age. And they actually believe they are making the world a better place, they are given over to lies just like the Bible said God would give them over to because that is what they prefer, so God lets them have what they want.
The real story that has been left out here on this article as follows --Christian Web News - A witness has told police that 18 year old Jeriah Woody shot and killed Stephen Ocean and Tite Sufra after they tried to witness to him.
On Wednesday, Woody turned himself in to Boynton Beach police, and is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the Saturday night deaths of Stephen Ocean, 23, and Tite Sufra, 24, near the Boynton Beach city library.
Boynton Beach spokeswoman Stephanie Slater said Wednesday he was still being questioned and she would not immediately provide information about a motive.
A woman who identified herself as Ocean's sister said the two men, best friends, were ministers who were ordained last year and had turned their lives around after run-ins with law enforcement. She did not want to identify the church with which they were aligned. go here to get the real story-- email me at rebukethemsharply@worthyemail.com or here cwnewz
Precious are the death of the saints in the eyes of God. My heart goes out to the families of these faithful young men. Their deaths is not in vain, like wheat grains that had fallen to the ground, it will grow and yield much fruits in due season. Real Christians should not and will not be deterred in reaching the lost even in the face of certain death. Even at this very moment a Christian elsewhere in the world is dying for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But as they fall, more Christians will stand up and take their place for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. I will choose to die the same way as these young men anytime for the glory of my King.
Jeriah Woody didnt surrender to police he was picked out of a lineup his street name is plug as I will plug you in the back as he had done to one of the street preachers The third man that was there called it in huh? they had failed to mention the third guy wonder why? Oh I believe we all can figure this one out
Good article! I am not a Christian and I am irritated by ANYONE trying to convert me in the street, but I also agree that violence is never the answer and we need clearer laws.
Be bold my brother's in Christ! Everyone else is out of the closet it's time to preach the Gospel from the roof tops. Rev.12:11..and they loved not there lives unto death! Bulldogministries.com
Imagine what would happen if people from *all* religions were on the streets trying to change each other's minds about what each person honestly believes to be The Truth. Our world includes almost 1 billion Hindus, 1.5 billion Muslims, and 1.5 billion Christians, as well as people from many other faiths. Can't we peacefully and respectfully coexist without all believing the same thing? Namaste!
comment on Raj says: No there is no other way to heaven except through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.Christianity has been controversial because it is one way John 14:6 Jeus said I am the way the truth and the Life he did not say I am a way a truth but thee way the other religions are liesthat take you straight to hell to burn forever.When Jesus came to this earth he didnt say well one religion is as good as the other He said you must believe I am the Son Of God that was sent here to die for you and your sins.Did the other regions try to coexist in Jesus time no they crucified him for telling them the truth
i have been a street preacher on and off since august 2000. I have been threatened many times. In the past year i have been out only a few times. I am now inspired again to get back on the street corners. As brother Neil said, there is no better way than to go out preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. By the way...I was saved back in may 1998 by a little man standing on the fishing bridge which runs next to the highway between Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Florida. This man was standing with a large white cross in one hand and a bible in the other hand. he was approximately 25 yards away from me. He did not speak! I was driving at approximately 50 mph when I saw him, I still remember asking my wife next to me, what is that man doing? She responded I do not know. I was immediately convicted, within a few weeks i was baptized at Olive baptist church and have been basically on the straight and narrow ever since. God uses street preachers in a mighty way! john.reynolds1@mac.
in aug 2000, my father in law died suddenly, we moved to n calif to be my wifes mother. one night i could not sleep, the Lord convicted me to start street preaching, the next morning i went out into my late father in laws shop, found to old broom sticks, nailed them together in the form of a cross and immediately went out and started standing on busy street corners. It will be 10 years this coming august. The Lord has allowed me to witness to thousands of people since then. To be totally honest, at first it was scary, but the more you do it, the holy spirit shows you how lost this world is. For those of you that have not surrendered to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you have no idea the strength of that wooden cross held up by a servant of the Lord. The key is, do not draw attention to yourself! Let the cross do the work as God attended it to do. Just think if enough of us would hit the busy intersections of a major city at the same time every day, standing with a white wooden
cross, Lord Willing we would turn this country upside down like the book of Acts talks about. I love Gods true church, however we got to stop fishing on our own bathtub. It's time to hit the streets, none of us know when we will take our last breath, I am always looking for courageous christian men and women to team up with in the Denver/Colorado springs area. "I stays ready, from keepin gettin ready, for quittin time" Luke 21-28
I don't think GUILT and FEAR tactics are good to use to preach, especially to someone who does not believe at all and is caught in the flesh. IF they told the person that JESUS gives you a new soul, one that has GOD with it... and that receiving heaven is not later but NOW. That is the Lord's prayer, YOUR KINGDOM COME ON EARTH as it is in heaven. LIVING water from within...
I preach that the HOLY SPIRIT is to be sought and asked for with diligent reading and praying in SECRET like Matthew 6:6 says to do... ALL who have tried this receive before they finish reading. GOD does not have time so I preach that if a person is willing to read and keep asking, GOD will come through before they finish the Testament and FILL that person and MAKE ALL THINGS known...
I don't preach DON'T do this because you will go to hell... I preach, DO THIS and you will be with GOD in a matter of weeks.. NEGATIVE VS POSITIVE reinforcement.. and GOD has a lot to show, give and prove to us all now, here on earth ONE on ONE where heaven is GIVEN and not attained NOW. Luke 11:13 - How much more will God give the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him!" --- HE sure will ,,, just don't assume you have it IF YOU REALLY don't. ANYTHING less than the literal heaven being felt and Christ DINING with you within... accept no substitute. God will let you accept something fake, self delusion, even for years and years!
SO stop telling people to stop drinking, nothing wrong with drinking once in a while, its the reasons we drink and how often that matter. AS far as I am concerned, seeking God has nothing to do with the world and people should be careful how they preach to people. ONE cannot preach the same to a drinker as to a single mother on pills... one cannot preach the same it a Jew as to a Muslim. To each ONE has to become that person... THINK like a drinker, Jew, Muslim, etc.. as to win them over. Jesus also said that people should not teach if they are NEW in the faith.. that they themselves still need to learn. PAUL had such a profound experience with God that HE took off for three years to be alone with Christ and the Spirit and boasts about not consulting with flesh and bone or anyone else at all..Galatians 1.
UNLESS one has a true anointing from Christ, LIVING Water flowing from within, HEAVEN within as JESUS said, POWER from on high descended upon them from God to fill them... IF THESE have not happened and GOD has not been REVEALED as to not be hidden anymore... then that person HAS NOT received the Holy Spirit and has been told falsely that they have it. THERE is a huge difference in being LED by the Spirit, Loved by the Spirit, sustained by the Spirit and RECEIVING fully the SPIRIT from God through faith in what you read (The New Testament), asking and waiting. RELIGION is mans attempt to attain GOD. NOT possible, through JESUS Christ, GOD attains MEN. Any questions, email me djvalis@gmail.com
peace to you all... and remember, ASK and be passionate even wanting it sooo bad that you are almost yelling towards the sky to receive a NEW SOUL the HOLY SPIRIT!!!!!
Matthew 11:12
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”
Yeah, that's good; blame the dead preachers--how very nice and interfaith-like.
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