Sunday morning service has special meaning for Gaither family
MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - A day after a jury gave James Hawkins the death penalty for a horrific murder, relatives of the woman he was convicted of murdering used their faith to help them deal with the tragedy.
Sunday morning worship services at New Bellevue Ministries Church took on a special meaning. It was Charlene Gaither's family's first service since the man who murdered her was given the death penalty.
"I would ask the community to pray for her entire family," said Bishop Toney Hastings. "Keep them lifted up."
Hastings has been ministering to Gaither's father and other family members. He said the trial of Hawkins took a toll on the Gaither family, especially her father.
"It was just a horrific murder," said Hastings. "He was saddened by it, obviously. That was his youngest daughter and it was devastating to him."
Hastings testified at Hawkin's trial about Gaither's father and the impact her death had on him. He said Gaither's children have also been affected.
"They are going through counseling, extreme counseling at this time," he said.
Hastings said plans are underway to raise donations to help Gaither's children with school expenses and other needs. Meanwhile, efforts to find peace in the midst of the tragedy go on.
"I want you to know that God is still in the blessing business," said Hastings.
Hawkins has another court date scheduled for July 20. He was sentenced on the false reporting and abuse of corpse charges. He can get up to 18 years for those charges.
http://www.wmctv.com/story/14890562/...gaither-family
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