A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy

by Stephen Willeford, Rachel Howe

The town of Sutherland Springs lived in quiet obscurity, until a madman entered the First Baptist church, on November 5th, 2017. This book recounts the harrowing story of those who lived through that day, witnessed terrible evil, and rose up to face it. Hope can be found in their faith, heroism, and actions, and in the overwhelming presence of God.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2023

Reviews

[Joelle Roibal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed by reading Stephen Willeford and Rachel Howes book about their town and those who were there on the day an active shooter took many lives at the local Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. They write about each involved towns member story and life in such an honoring and moving way, keeping the focus on the facts and those who were effected, which I appreciated so much. This book shows a man and his family act out what it means to love their neighbors as themselves, which was exactly what was needed during this crisis with stopping an active shooter in their beloved town. Instead of running from the danger, Stephen and his family and others in the town each showed the willingness to respond and help no matter the danger. It looks like the light and the hope they have in Jesus in action in the midst of darkness.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An experience no one want to have. The author lived across the street from the shooting and responded as he had trained to do. Training that he did not expect to need or use in his small town and that kicked in on the morning of the attack.

This is a story of violence, bravery and some simply trying to forget. l was drawn into the story and the danger that he faced while looking across the street. He engaged with the shooter as he exited the church, exchanging gunfire and wounding him before he jumped in his car and made to escape. The author jumped in a pickup truck that was at the intersection and they followed the shooter to where he went off the road and waited until police arrived.

This story is the story of the author and his family but background on many of the victims who lost their lives that day and the few who were wounded but survived. Many lives were changed that day and will never be the same.

This is a tale of preparation, when what we thought couldn't happen here does and faith in God. One part of the story that is not told in this book, the shooter is not even named. What is told here is that this town like many didn't think it could or would happen there and yet it did. It makes you think about what would happen if this happened in your community?

Part of the story is how the community began to support one another and rebuild their lives.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful tribute to those affected by the events that took place at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs on November 5, 2017. Despite the horrific events of this tragedy God's goodness and power shine through the words and pages of this book and through the lives of those who survived to share their testimonies of His love and goodness even in the midst of evil.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5 (ESV)

[Jennifer Paradise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the wholesome viewpoint of the story. The focus was on the people of a small town and their values, and how they held up when faced with violence and pain. It was a refreshing change of pace from the scandalous bad behavior which is common, predictable, and often exaggerated in recent years. To the contrary, this book reminds me of the small town I grew up in, surrounded by the members of a small Baptist church where everyone knew one another.

[Tina Cronauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I beautiful tribute to the family of Sutherland Springs. The Willeford family is dear to me, so my opinion of the authors is not without bias. Wonderfully and lovingly written. I read the entire book in the airport & on flights to/from NYC, shedding many tears for the lives shared. Of course, I think everyone should read this and be in awe of the heart and Texas grit of Sutherland Springs.

[Janet Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing God Thru All

I always said I didn't known how people made it through things with God. Awesome writing style. I totally believe, God always is preparing us for situations in our lives. I'm blessed to extended family that you have as close friends or should I say family is a better description. God Bless you and your family.

[Andy Valadez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reads like a movie. Never forget Sutherland Springs.

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tale of faithful people, even after a horrible tragedy. It was a little hard to keep track of all the different families without family group lists.