Pastor offers to help man who shot him.

Three reasons to forgive.

This is Dr. Jim Denison's The Daily Article podcast for Thursday, May 23, 2019.

Emmanuel Cadega Samson intended to kill at least 10 white churchgoers when he attacked

the Burnett Chapel Church of Christ in September of 2017. This, according to a prosecutor's

statement Monday in Samson's trial. During his shooting rampage, he murdered a 38-year-old woman.

Minister David Joey Span was shot in the chest and in the hand. His wife was shot as well.

However, he told reporters, if I had the opportunity to talk to Samson, I would,

and I would try to help him. In June of 2015, Dylan Roof attacked the Emanuel AME Church in Charlotte,

South Carolina, killing nine people. He later told authorities that he hoped to start a race war.

The opposite happened. At Roof's bond hearing two days later,

Reverend Anthony Thompson told the man who murdered his wife, I forgive you, and my family

forgives you. But we would like you to take this opportunity to repent. Repent. Confess.

Give your life to the one who matters most, Jesus Christ, so that he can change it and change your

attitude. No matter what happens to you, then you'll be okay. Do that and you'll be better off

than you are right now. Several other family members at the hearing offered their forgiveness as well.

City and state police prepared for racial riots, fearing the bloodshed and violence

witnessed in Ferguson, Baltimore, Berkeley, and other cities following

racially motivated crimes. But Charleston responded with acts of love, kindness, and grace.

Makeshift flower memorials grew in front of Emmanuel Church. Donors pledged thousands of dollars to help

the victim's families. Thousands gathered for an evening vigil and prayer service. More than 15,000 people of all colors and faiths joined hands to create a human bridge that stretched for two miles.

The forgiveness Reverend Thompson and other family members offered Dylan Roof became a model the entire city followed.

...