Memphis pastor back at pulpit five weeks after being shot in face during car theft

A Memphis preacher returned to the pulpit on Easter Sunday, simply 5 weeks after the non secular chief was shot within the mouth by crooks as they stole his automobile outdoors church.

Pastor Clemmie Livingston, Jr., delivered a sermon earlier than his flock at a packed New Zionfield Baptist Church in South Memphis for the primary time since that fateful day, in line with WREG-TV.

“Laying there, I stored saying to myself that I’ll be lifeless in a short while,” Livingston, 70, instructed the station. “Nicely, what would an individual say after they bleeding within the method that I used to be bleeding?”

However he survived the assault — and mentioned he by no means misplaced consciousness or felt any ache in the course of the chaotic ordeal.

“Whereas I used to be down on my knees, let me let you know what [God] mentioned, He mentioned to me, ‘Cease making an attempt to die and begin again dwelling,’” Livingston mentioned. “In my spirit and in my coronary heart, I do know that Jesus introduced me by way of this.”

Livingston believes he survived as a result of God nonetheless has a plan for him, the station mentioned.

“It seems to me that God received some for me to do,” he mentioned.

Livingston nonetheless should endure not less than two extra surgical procedures — although the bullet gap in his mouth has closed, he’s received a protracted technique to go earlier than he can say he’s absolutely recovered, the outlet added.

These operations will probably maintain him from the pulpit for one more eight weeks. However that’s higher than the choice.

“That’s my best blessing,” he mentioned. “I’m nonetheless alive.”

No arrests have been made within the case.

Livingston instructed WHBQ-TV that he plans to commit extra time to assist stop younger impoverished individuals from turning to a lifetime of violent crime.

“Assist these guys, educate them learn how to put a roof on, educate them learn how to lay bricks, that’s my plan,” the pastor mentioned. “Train all of them these items, no matter it takes, cease the killing.”