Christians are being urged to pray for the family of a US pastor who was stabbed to death and then burnt on Wednesday in the state of Georgia.
Rev Marita Harrell was the pastor of Connections United Methodist Church in Atlanta - she had been living and serving in the city during the last 30 years.
“Unfortunately, and with a truly heavy heart, I have the unpleasant task of relaying some heart-breaking news. I received an email from the district office informing us of the transition of Rev. Marita Harrell. No further details were given,” a Facebook post from Rivertown United Methodist Church, where she pastored from 2016 to 2018, read.
“I know the love Rivertown has for her, and the love she has for Rivertown. We are asked to be in prayer especially for her husband and daughters. Please keep the entire family in your prayers. May God' s comforting arms envelop her family, friends, and loved ones,” it continued.
According to Police, Rev Harrell had been mentoring and counselling a 27-year-old who had recently left prison before she was murdered.
The 57-year-old was visiting the home as part of an outreach programme for people who had recently gotten out of prison.
Investigators believe the man stabbed her at his home and then dumped the body in a minivan which he abandoned 19 miles east of Atlanta.
Police have arrested the man on suspicion of murder and arson.
Rev Harrell is survived by her husband Antonio Harrell and two daughters.
