I was just physically attacked
I always spend my Thursdays using my kitchen to help cook for the homeless in my area Due to county ordinances we are very limited where we can feed so we use the parking lot of a local Pentecostal Church.
I have kept my views to myself since we have been feeding here for the benefit for those who need a good hot meal.
As usual I took my prepared food at the allotted time to the church but when I got there one of the Pastors (or whatever they call them in a Pentecostal Church) was talking like a crazy looking like he was ready to foam at the mouth in the parking lot (what he calls preaching) to all who were assembled that Obama is the anti Christ and Homosexuals is what is killing America, that Obama needs to be taken out of office by any means necessary now that he supports the Homosexual agenda.
This is where I step in and ask him to please start acting like a Christian and to follow the teachings of our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ. His response was a attempted blow to my face while screaming blasphemy. He attempted a second to to punch me which also failed. I was asked to leave the property & to never return (which I don't have a problem with), I am still reeling from this ordeal. Some of the people there advised me as I was leaving to call the Sheriffs Dept. I am still debating on what to do.
I have to say it's been a long time since I have been threatened with bodily harm and it has given me a wake up call once again to always be vigilant & aware of my surroundings.
Please I beg you not to use this thread to bash Christians there are many good ones myself included to counter this poor soul.
I posted this for several reasons, beware of the backlash of yesterday (especially if you live in a area like I do), President Obama's endorsement is having a lasting effect (good or bad, I am glad he did it), and last but not least please I beg you to be aware of your surroundings.
May you all go in peace.
= new reply since forum marked as read
But you have to be really shaken up emotionally!
Thank you for helping the hungry and needy, such service isn't without hazards, I suppose.
Whether or not you call the authorities I cannot say, I just want to say "thank goodness you're ok"!
You may not get others willing to step forward and support your version of what happened, but since you've been a helper to them, maybe they will. It's definitely worth a try.
Do you know any lawyer who might advise you?
Good luck. And keep up the self defense instincts.
honest to god -- not the first time in history but the faith is off track.
lord:
make me an instrument of your Peace
where there is hatred let me sow --Love
pardon -- where there is doubt
faith -- where there is despair
hope where there is darkness
light where there is darkness
joy.
st francis
You wouldn't let an ordinary person on the street do that. Why should a self-appointed "man of god" label shield him?
and if he has a car, leve this on the windshield. Maybe he will stroke out.
Lot's of blood would be lost. The south is also in charge of manufacturing most the weapons. 
That was the first thing I thought when all those northern bases were closed and manufactures moved down south.
We just have to mend things peacefully and through the courts and congress by the power of the vote. But sometimes I really worry...it's difficult to deal with truly crazy folk...and there are many.
One never knows but I can share a personal experience that resulted in a pastor losing his position (interesting choice of words given the circumstances -- it's all I could think of 
)
I met a pastor across the country from me -- it was due to mutual interests, etc. I emailed him after reading an article about his approach to religion & politics (decidedly liberal). We got to talking by email, then by phone and finally he flew across the country so we could meet. We started a long-distance relationship. I then discovered he had a woman friend on the West Coast to whom he was engaged! (A fellow pastor.) I was pissed and pretty outraged. It then turned out there was a third woman with whom he had a "relationship" at the same time. I also discovered that, despite having an overtly healthy approach to religion, in reality his true approach was a mix of really great & healthy but also too often lascivious, with what appeared to be inappropriate interactions with female parishioners. I contacted his bishop about his unethical behavior and it he was stripped of his pastoral position as a result.
Just a little food for thought.
Please take care. Whenever something like this happens (the vote in NC and the announcement) there is a huge backlash but you know that. You should have been safe and appreciated for what you do and have been doing. Why would you ever expect, even from a ranting religious man, to be treated this way? The vote and the announcement.
Report or not depends on how you feel. I think all incidents like this should be reported but I am straight and not in the line of fire except tangentially as an ally. Been called a lot of names but never swung at. How will you feel if you do or you don't? It all depends on you. No one else called to report this? Someone should have.
I am so sorry, it really hurts when people I care about (and I do even though we will never meet) are treated this way.
You should never have to be more vigilant and aware of your surroundings than anyone else.
Do what will make you feel you did the right thing. Find peace with your decision and move on you good person you. Cooking for the homeless is a kind act and one I would expect from a good person.
We need to stop violent homophobes and get them off the street wherever and whenever we can.
A violent hater like that might inflict severe injury on someone.
It will take you a bit to emotionally recover from this assault.
We're all here for you, sweetie.
Go to his Services this Sunday, and Testify before his congregation.
Then press charges. 
Then a nice hot bath. Relax. De-stress.
And get in here for a
and i will respect your wishes. you are among friends.
Can't we bash Christians?
Just a little?
a little 
Glad you're okay, of course.
How did this crazy know that you are following the "Homosexual Agenda." I would think that feeding the hungry is one of those things that kind of transcends one's color, religion, gender, etc.
I hope you report what happened to the local authorities. That person needs to be arrested, tried and convicted.
A police report has been filed, 5 witnesses came forward, I knew the deputy that took the report & have the utmost respect for him. He advised me since no bodily harm was actually done all he can do is file the report with the witness statements & refer it to the DA's office for further review (which I already figured from my own experience in law enforcement).
I believe I have a couple of other avenues to follow up on & since this has been documented, I will look into other options to deal with this person.
I want to thank everyone who responded in this thread, even though we may not know each other personally, having internet friends like this does make a difference.
Lifes been hard these past couple of weeks, but this too shall pass.
to all.
if he attacks other folks there will be a written record at least. I hope you have a calm, relaxing weekend!
I'm so glad you're alright!
Absolutely, file a report! You need to get it documented, date and time, in case you encounter him again.
TYY
While I am glad you were able to duck the punches, I know you have been hurt. Whatever you choose to do about it, trust yourself.
I don't even know what to say. 
Because the Bush/Cheney regime's totalitarianism wasn't punished, the hatred & division continues to spread like wildfire by authoritarian, my-way-or-the-highway attitudes.
It seems there's nothing we as individuals can do to hold Bush/Cheney accountable for the pain/damage they've caused, but we can each do what we can to hold those who are carrying the torch for that regime's bullying mindset responsible for their anti-social, anti-Christian behavior.
Sorry this happened to you, Bill.
I'm glad you are OK. Be safe.
and that you recover from this awful event.
I also wish a public shaming on that disgraceful pastor.
sadly we have many in this country who really are Christians in name only and have no idea or intention of following the teachings of Jesus or the Golden Rule in any shape or form.
Thank you for making a difference William - please know that you are not alone and the people like this "pastor" are in the minority - it's just they scream and shout and the media will always chose to go with this rather than the quiet, going-about their business Christians caring for others.
One also can't help but wonder why these people have become so unhinged that some members of our society are being recognized - it really does go to their having deep problems and possible hidden feelings.
Thanks again William - you are a wonderful human being and a darned good Christian - keep up the good work!
I am sorry for your ordeal. Proud you stood up for your values. You were doing something worthwhile and should have gotten a kiss, not a kick.
Remember, my friend, no good deed goes unpunished.
