Extraordinary Act Of Faith: Mormon Church Member Raises Almost $300K for Accused Grand Blanc Shooter’s Family—Here’s Why

Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika, stunned the world when she forgave her husband’s murderer on live television in front of millions during his funeral in Phoenix, Arizona.

It was God’s grace that allowed Charlie’s beautiful Christian wife to forgive the young man who stole the life of their children’s Christian father and her beloved husband. The positive effects of her example of forgiveness to the world is immeasurable.

Today, we can report that God’s grace is working again, this time, in a way that most people would never expect. A member of the Church of Latter-day Saints, whose compassion for the family of the man who slaughtered fellow members of his faith is providing yet another example of unconditional forgiveness and compassion.

In an unimaginable act of charity, David Butler, a member of the Mormon church, is asking for donations to help the wife and child of the man who committed a heinous, violent act of terror on members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on Sunday that killed 4 people and left 8 wounded.

Not only did Sandford commit an unspeakable act of violence against members of his wife’s community, but when he died, he left her to provide for their only son, who has a severe physical disability.

David Butler, a compassionate and forgiving member of the Mormon church, appears to have recognized the hardships Sanford’s wife would face because of her late husband’s choices, and he courageously stepped in to help her care for her young, disabled son.

The campaign to raise funds for Sandford’s family reads:

My name is Dave. Like all of you, I was shocked by the murders at the LDS chapel in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on September 28. Multiple families were left grievously wounded and in need of help.

One of the families that suffered a terrible loss on that day was the family of Thomas Jacob Sanford, the shooter. Sanford leaves behind a wife and children who must be grieving. They will face financial hardship and psychological trauma as a result of this week’s horrifying events. On top of that, one of the Sanford sons deals with serious medical challenges that require ongoing care, treatment, and specialized support. In the past, the family attempted to raise funds for him, but with limited success.

I have no connection to the Sanfords or to Grand Blanc. I am an ordinary member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I’m a fantasy and science fiction writer, and if you know me at all, it’s probably because you’ve seen me on an LDS YouTube channel such as the Stick of Joseph or Ward Radio.

But James teaches us that “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.” The purpose of this GiveSendGo is to do that. Every donation will go to help provide for the Sanford family daily needs, provide for ongoing medical treatment, and create some stability in a time of heartbreak and upheaval.

Thank you for your kindness, your compassion, and your willingness to lift up those who are suffering.

The more high-profile cases of charity and forgiveness Americans witness, the more individuals will be touched by their stories of grace. Comedian Tim Allen’s confession of forgiveness of his father’s killer after watching Erika Kirk forgive her husband’s killer is a perfect example of how one act of forgiveness can inspire others to do the same.

Forgiveness is powerful and something our world could use more of in this world today. The video below tells the story of Jeanne Bishop’s true and unconditional forgiveness.  It is one of the most powerful stories you will ever hear.