The New Life Church Shooting
By Carl Chinn

Carl Chinn

Carl Chinn has been a planner for security of building and their inhabitants over the years. He got his start when he was involved as director of facilities for an organization that viewed itself as "a doer of good for the community". Today he assists organizations, many religious in planning for the security and safety of their members which engaging in the activities of the organization.

In early 2007 the New Life Church realized that with the size of their congregation and the conflicts within the church they needed to form an internal security operation to protect the congregation. He became the intelligence operative to assist the security organization to recognize when higher states of preparedness were required. The worst fears of the New Life Church Security Organization came true in the early morning of December 9th, 2007.

New Life Church

In Arvada, 77 miles north of the New Life Church, the Youth with a Mission (YWAM) facility was attacked and two people killed. Federal, State, and local law enforcement were looking for Matthew Murray in relation to this shooting. Without knowing the full details, the New Life Church Security Organization went to their highest state of alert, including warnings posted at all entrances into the church facility increased searching of bags and backpacks, and additional security personnel on duty who were authorized to carry concealed weapons. New Life Church was affiliated with YWAM through the former Director and Matthew Murray knew this.

As a precaution, the New Life Church Security Organization provided security for the Director of YWAM along with the off duty uniformed CSPD police officers, who also performed visible security by parking their cars at the two main entrances to the sanctuary. Within minutes of these officers and their police cars departing the New Life campus, gunshots were heard and the remaining members of the security organization went into action. Several unarmed members cleared the hallways in the complex of the remaining children and adults, and then moved to the sounds of the gunfire.

Murray had released smoke bombs at both the North and south entrances of the complex and parked his vehicle by the east entrance. He fired on the Works family, where he killed sisters Rachel and Stephanie and wounded father David. He continued to advance on the east entrance while firing on three other vehicles. Murray entered the facility and started down the main 300-foot long hallway. Jeanne Assam a member of the New Life Church Security Organization was able to engage and down Murray, who then committed suicide. Carl pointed out that most know incidents of this nature are '5-3-3' - five minutes or less, three shots fired within three seconds of time.

Proverbs 21:31 covers the essence of this incident - "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord."

 
Progressive Drawing Garth Kennedy drew a red and returned the $5 to the pot.

It's Soap Box Derby Time! Pikes Peak Soap Derby registration deadline: May 12, 2012; race day: June 10, 2012. For more information please contact the derby's website: ppsbd.com or Glen Scott at 719-488-8808.

Bill Kaelin

 

Bill Kaelin thanked everyone for their sponsorship of past Rocky Mountain Youth Leadership Conference (RMYLC) and asked members to consider support again this year. RMYLC is to be held July 9-13, CSU-Pueblo needs sponsors for deserving high school students. Full-scholarships are $250 for the 5-day conference and partial donations combine to create full-scholarships. 
 

Integrity Bank and Trust is the major sponsor for the Tri-Lakes area 4th of July Parade, with this year's theme titled "Stand Up for the Red, White, and Blue." As you may know, they have recently moved to a new location at 1275 Village Ridge Point in Monument, Colorado. THANKS, Integrity Bank and Trust!

 

Monday Night Bingo Update - A huge thanks to the 'Tom's Team' for a successful night at March 12 withproceeds  profits of $3,925. Over the past month bingo has made $16, 950 with all going back into the community. Bingo players' names and emails are being collected and a weekly enewsletter sent with updates, information about Must Go's, special offers and more. REMEMBER: 'Like' us at Facebook.com/Monument Hill Kiwanis Club Monday Night Bingo.

 

Glenn Scott gave a status report on the Club's March Madness Fundraising Project. It seems that most participating members' brackets were "blown up" in the first 32 games of the NCAA tournament.

A delegation from MHKC members will be attending the Kiwanis Club of Greeley 90th Birthday Party with a presentation on March 21st.

Sheri Gibson

Lisa Wieland introduced Sheri Gibson who introduced her dissertation project - elder financial abuse. She invited anyone over 60-years of age to participate in a survey. It was suggested that the Club participate in collective participation and donate the

Jo Carroll

$10 per participant back to MHKC.

Jo Carroll received the Lusche Award from the Rocky Mountain District Foundation for his generous contribution. He was presented with a plaque and jacket.

Bob Weyand

Rich Strom recognized the new membership of Bob Weyand and welcomed him with the official MHKC cap and documents. Welcome Bob!!

The Club's monthly Board meeting was held immediately following the Club meeting.