Reverend Larry Oneal Walker, a street preacher in North Little Rock, Arkansas, recently survived a shooting incident while sharing the gospel on June 2. The gunman opened fire after aggressively approaching Walker and asking for his microphone. Despite being shot, Walker forgave the man and cited John 3:16 as a reason for forgiveness. He believes that the bullet miraculously missed his vital organs, and he considers it a sign of God’s protection. Walker’s daughter, LaKeisa, also views her father’s survival as a miracle that strengthened the faith of their community.
Walker has been preaching for 50 years, with the past 15 years dedicated to street preaching. He believes that America’s strength lies in its faith in God and laments the increasing loss of religious affiliation in the country. According to Pew Research Center data, the percentage of adults not identifying with any religion has grown from 16% to 29% between 2007 and 2021. Walker sees this trend as contributing to the division and confusion plaguing the nation. He emphasizes the importance of turning back to God in such challenging times to heal and unite communities.
Despite the violent encounter, Walker remains committed to his preaching work and spreading the message of love and forgiveness. He believes that the incident could be a catalyst for a movement towards faith and healing across the country. Walker encourages people to focus on God and return to religious values to address the increasing challenges and struggles faced by society. He attributes his survival to divine intervention and sees it as a testimony to the power of faith and forgiveness in overcoming adversity.
The suspect in the shooting, identified as 20-year-old Latarryes Bush, is currently in custody awaiting his initial court appearance. Walker has had no contact with the individual since the incident and continues to preach on the streets of North Little Rock. Despite the trauma he experienced, Walker chooses to forgive and spread a message of love and unity. He remains steadfast in his belief that faith in God can bring healing and strength to individuals and communities, offering a beacon of hope in a world plagued by violence and division.
Walker’s story has touched not only his local community but also resonated with people across the country. His daughter, LaKeisa, believes that the miraculous survival of her father serves as a reminder of the power of faith and prayer. The Walkers view the incident as a testament to the importance of forgiveness and trust in God’s protection. They hope that sharing their story will inspire others to turn back to faith and seek spiritual guidance in navigating the challenges of the modern world.
In a time of increasing secularization and loss of religious influence, Reverend Larry Oneal Walker’s story stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and forgiveness. Despite facing a potentially life-threatening situation, Walker chose to forgive his assailant and continue his preaching work. His survival is seen as a miracle by many and has reinforced the belief in the healing and protective power of God. As Walker continues his mission to spread love and unity through his preaching, he hopes to inspire others to turn back to religious values and find strength and solace in faith.
