Video: Local Church Rallies Around 12 Year Old Gunshot Victim

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – KeShun Vasser is a familiar face around West Jackson Street Baptist Church, and church members and leaders have visited the seventh grader and his family since the tragic events of last Friday. That is the day KeShun was shot at his residence at Oak Creek Apartments.

As Youth Pastor Chris O Daniel prepares for Wednesday night services, he knows one seat will be unoccupied. KeShun Vasser is at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, recovering from a gunshot wound to his neck. KeShun is well known at the church, which backs up to the 12 year old’s apartment complex.

“On Wednesday nights, regular in Sunday school and a regular attender, sure is,” O’Daniel said.

In fact, KeShun made a profession of faith last fall and was baptized by Brother Chris, on Christmas morning.

The longtime youth pastor at West Jackson Street Baptist Church learned about the shooting Friday evening. He says prayers were lifted Sunday morning for KeShun and his family.

“We were able to talk about it and really spend time praying for him, healing, physical healing, and also praying for Keshun and his family, his mom, letting her know she is loved, and cared for and supported during this difficult time for them,” Pastor O’Daniel said.

KeShun has been a regular at the church for more than two years.  Lisa Hofmister is director of the children’s ministry. She says the seventh grader, who had just played in his first football game at the middle school, has a desire to serve and grow in his faith.

“He has been very active since he started and has made his own place here, KeShun, actually is active in community missions, working with Salvation Army, and in nursing homes, he’s been active in Mexico missions with orphanages, supporting that, active in our midweek programming, in our clubs, plays on our church basketball team, he’s just an all around great kid,” Hofmister said.

Hofmister traveled to LeBonheur this weekend, bringing KeShun’s Sunday School lesson to him. Senior Pastor Doctor Keith Cochran also visited KeShun and his family. He says the needs are great, but the family’s faith is greater.

“If you’ve ever been in a situation where you have a loved one in a crisis situation in the hospital, you stay there, around the clock, there’s a point where you don’t rest either, you’re just tired.  You just pray God will continue to heal this young man, continue to walk them forward as they walk through this healing process, recovery process,” Dr. Cochran said.

To help with expenses, the church is collecting donations for the Vasser family.

For information on how to donate, call West Jackson Street Baptist Church at 662 842 7875