LE††UCE PREY
DATELINE: MORGANTON, N.C. — A toddler is in stable condition after being accidentally shot by his sibling in a Burke County church parking lot Sunday night.
Rev. Adam Vines, the 2-year-old’s father and pastor of the River Valley Baptist Church, told WBTV Thursday he’s “overwhelmed” with the support and prayers from the community.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with all the support,” said Vines. “A lot of people have pitched in to help us. Thank you for all of the prayers.” “God answers prayers,” he said. “And has been answering a lot of them already. To God be the glory.”
Pastor Adam Vines told local news channel WCCB Charlotte that his three-year-old son—who was not named—found the gun in the side door of the family’s van, and said that the weapon was in a holster with the safety on. But the boy somehow managed to accidentally shoot his younger brother, he said. Updated news reports later suggested the child’s condition had improved after emergency surgery and he is now said to be stable.
Pastor Vines said he feels God’s presence during this tragedy and he asked for people to pray for both his sons, including the one who accidentally almost killed his brother. “He’s in shock for the most part,” he told WSAZ 3.
Since the tragedy, members of the church report they have been praying constantly.
Kevin Barlow, who attends River Valley Baptist Church and lives next door, said he could hear people screaming after the shooting. He and his wife stayed up most of the night praying for the Vines.
“My hearts go out to them,” Barlow said to WSOC-TV. “We will help in any way we can, and God is the help that you need.”
