Memphis, Tennessee: A Shocking Ordeal for a Houston Preacher
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Memphis turned into a scene of horror for a beloved preacher from Houston, Mississippi. Anyone familiar with the area knows it’s a tight-knit community where people care for one another, making this story all the more shocking. On September 14, Willie Hamblen, who is an 85-year-old minister at the South Jackson Church of Christ, experienced something that no one should ever have to endure.
The Unfortunate Encounter
After attending a funeral in Texas, Willie was making his way back home when he found himself in a situation that escalated quickly. While driving, he accidentally took a wrong turn and ended up stuck on a railroad track in the bustling city of Memphis. It was at this vulnerable moment that his life took a frightening twist.
Willie recalls, “A man walked up to me, asked some questions, and then left. But it wasn’t long before he returned with a second person.” It quickly became clear to him that this was not a friendly encounter. As he describes, “I can see an assault weapon in his hands, and I knew things were going south.”
A Violent Attack
Before he could fully realize what was happening, Willie was brutally assaulted by the two individuals. He spent his days recounting the traumatic moments, stating, “He hit me over the head with the assault rifle, knocked me down on the tracks. My head was bleeding profusely.” Those horrifying details make it hard to stomach the fact that people can commit such violent acts.
According to reports from the Memphis Police, the gun used during the attack was an AK-47-style weapon. The assailants didn’t stop at the violent beating; they made off with Willie’s belongings, stealing his wallet, which contained an astounding $1,200, as well as his phone and keys. It was a robbery that left Willie not just with physical injuries but also deep psychological scars.
The Aftermath
Even a week later, Willie describes the lingering impact of the attack. “I can’t wake up not thinking about it, and I can’t go to sleep not thinking about it.” The emotional toll has been just as devastating as the physical injuries he sustained. He mentioned having persistent pain in his ribs and bruises all over his body, including a wound on his arm that’s “down to raw flesh.” But he made it clear that while the physical pain was significant, it was the mental torment that truly affected him.
Gratitude Amidst Trauma
Despite everything he’s been through, Willie says he’s grateful to be alive. “It’s truly a miracle,” he asserts, reflecting on his close brush with death. Though he hasn’t been able to return to preaching since the incident, he hopes to be back at his church this upcoming Sunday, letting his faith guide him as he recovers from this trauma.
While this incident in Memphis serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can lurk in our everyday lives, it also highlights the resilience of the human spirit. Willie Hamblen, an 85-year-old man of faith, continues to inspire those around him, all while hoping for a return to normalcy.
As we all continue our daily lives, it’s important to remember the impact that violence can have on individuals and their communities. May this serve as a reminder to look out for one another and to come together in times of need.
