Armed churchgoer prevents slaughter

. Armed churchgoer prevents slaughter 'History and common sense prove that gun-free zones are dangerous' Charl Van Wyk, who carried a gun to a church service, shot back at terrorists bent on mass slaughter and ultimately was credited with saving hundreds of lives, says politicians should rise above the "politically correct" and do what's right to save the lives of children and teachers. Weighing in on the current debate in America over the public's access to self-defense, he told WND that only in a "sheer utopian fantasy" would people expect that "homicidal maniacs" would follow gun laws. "In Israel teachers and parents, serving as school aides, are armed at all times on school grounds, with semi-automatic weapons. Since this policy was adopted in the 1970s, attacks by gunmen at schools in Israel have ceased," he said. "In 2004 Thailand adopted a similar approach for safety of children. It may be politically incorrect, but it does have the advantage of saving the lives of innocent children and teachers. The policy? Encouraging teachers to carry firearms." he continued. "On 27 April 2004, the Associated Press reported, 'Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula ordered provincial governors to give teachers licenses to buy guns if they want to even though it would mean bringing firearms into the classrooms when the region's 925 schools reopen May 17 after two months of summer holiday.' "Though Thailand's government is extremely hostile to gun ownership in general, it has recognized that teachers ought to be able to safeguard their students and themselves," he said. "Maybe we can learn something from these countries." Currently, the Obama administration is offering numerous proposals to ban certain weapons, certain types and generally make the public's access to firearms more difficult. Van Wyk's own story of self-defense – and the defense of the innocent – dates to July 25, 1993 – the day that would become known as the day of the St. James Massacre. That was when terrorists invaded the St. James Church in South Africa with automatic weapons. About a dozen members of the congregation were killed, and dozens more were injured. But the terrorists fled when Van Wyk, who was carrying a handgun with him, returned fire, injuring one terrorist. Van Wyk was recognized by authorities with a commendation for his actions, which likely saved dozens, if not hundreds, of lives. His story is told in "Shooting Back" The Right and Duty of Self-Defense," both book and DVD versions. Van Wyk notes that the commander of the church attackers, Letlapa Mphahlele, later said, "There we thought that the church was a 'gun free zone,' but boy did he (van Wyk) have a surprise for us!" "U.S. school shooting incidents prove that proclaiming gun-free zones at learning institutions does not prohibit homicidal maniacs from entering these premises. In fact, expecting such an individual to honor a law prohibiting firearms is sheer utopian fantasy," van Wyk told WND. "History and common sense prove that gun-free zones are dangerous," he said. "Do mass shootings ever occur in police stations, on shooting ranges or at gun shows? Mass murderers select soft targets for their acts of violence. "Declaring gun-free zones, risks leaving potential victims defenseless," he said. "Gun-free zones merely make the working environment of the criminals safer." He said any move eliminate Americans' access to self-defense should be opposed. "We need to refuse to support any laws that leave us defenseless against murderers, robbers, rapists and arsonists." "We, as Christian gun owners, do not put our trust in our guns, but in God. A firearm is merely a tool that can be used for righteous purposes, like the protection of life, or negative i.e. violent means. 'Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the Name of the Lord our God.' Psalm 20:7," van Wyk said. He noted Oliver Cromwell's advice to troops at the Battle of Edgehill in 1642, "'Put your trust in God, my boys, but mind to keep your powder dry.'" Van Wyk said it is "by God's grace" that he has survived two violent attacks with guns. The first was the terror attack on the church, and the second an attempted car-jacking. "In both cases the gun in my hand was far more useful than a cop of the phone," he said. He also said the simple logic of self-defense supports access to weapons. "People often blame guns for crime, as if crime did not exist before guns were invented," he said. "I'd far rather be armed and never need my gun, than need a gun and not have one." And he said the suddenness of such attacks leaves only one option for protection. "The only person who can make any difference when faced with a violent attacker is the person who is right THERE, right THEN," he said. In a letter to the editor van Wyk wrote after he fended off two armed robbers who were trying to carjack him, he said, "Some believe that an armed response to this type of tyranny will only escalate the violence. Not so – an armed response actually diffused the attack and my two passengers and I are, by God's grace, blessed to still be alive." "Instant response to a life-threatening situation is always best – 'the clean up team' are just that, 'the clean up team'. The police cannot be everywhere, all the time, to protect you," he continued. He previously noted that self-defense is biblical. "Sometimes we also read into Scripture that which is not taught, e.g., 'But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also' (Matthew 5:39). This is dealing with our response to a personal insult. It should not be read to mean: 'If someone murders your wife, let him murder your child too.' The Bible clearly teaches, 'A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a murky spring and a polluted well' (Proverbs 25:26). Surely we would be 'faltering before the wicked' if we cannot protect worshipers in a church!" "Besides the mother's womb, gun-free zones are the most dangerous places on earth," he said, and he argues strict gun control actually lead to more crime. "At the end of the day, we need to be prepared to defend ourselves. The only person who can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun; nobody else will be of much help," he said. See Van Wyk describe his shooting experience and its aftermath: You can also purchase the book and the video together for a reduced bundle price. If you have to pause to think, then you need the "Armed Response" video training series from David Kenik and Ralph Mroz. It is said the first rule of gun fights is: Have a gun. But almost as important would be this "second" rule: Don't come in second. Because the second-place finisher in a gun fight - or any encounter involving deadly force - is generally not going end up on the podium at all, but rather in a six-foot hole in the ground. If you own a gun for self-defense purposes, it is negligent - almost criminally or suicidally negligent - not to watch and learn from a training program such as you will get in this series of videos. The WND Superstore recently received a new Armed Response DVD: BLACK RIFLE BOOT CAMP: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE AR15 (DVD) Black Rifle Boot Camp explores the configurations, accessories and options available on America’s favorite rifle, the AR15. One of the most versatile and adaptable rifle platforms ever made, discover how the AR can be customized for use in defense, sports and hunting. Learn the proper method to operate the controls, how to run the gun, various shooting positions, marksmanship and maintenance. If you are new to the AR15, this DVD is a must! This DVD covers: Component Parts Direct Gas Impingement and Gas Piston Systems Options in Barrels, Handguards, Triggers, Sights and Optics Best Methods of Operating the Controls Loading, Unloading and Reloading Standing, Kneeling, Sitting and Prone Shooting Positions Proper Marksmanship for Accurate Shooting Clearing Stoppages Disassembly and Function Checking Cleaning and Lubrication Much, Much More! Watch the trailer below: Here are a few more Armed Response DVDs you'll love: * Close Distance Defensive Shooting * Handguns 101: A Guide for New Shooters Complete descriptions of each of the DVDs are below, and you can purchase each of the five at outstanding discount prices from the WND Superstore. However, the bundles are an even better deal, and probably you will want more than one of the videos. So please note: You can get the first three DVDs in a discount bundle covering "Shooting Fundamentals, Tactics, and Drills," or, You can get five DVDs in the "Armed Response: Complete Training Bundle". These are not just drills, but invaluable situational lessons. You will learn physically how to react by training your muscle memory. But you will also learn to think with a tactical mindset - and that is why these videos will be such an immediate welcome addition to your DVD collection. Upon the first viewing you will realize how much you've been missing. If you have range experience and book knowledge, watching the "Armed Response" videos for the first time will be like having a veil lifted as you immediately recognize what a key piece of the learning process you've thus far neglected. Think for a moment how unprepared you probably are, if you don't have police or military training. If a potentially violent situation begins to arise on the street, or at the store, or while you are in your car or even in your home: What exactly are you going to do with that gun you've been carrying or keeping at the ready? Among the many other "what ifs" the "Armed Response" training program covers: What to do if strangers knock at your door. The very first actions you must take after shooting someone. Drawing a gun in close quarters, in a car or when seated behind a desk. Getting your gun out of the holster and past your concealed carry covering garments. When to challenge, and when to shoot. What will happen to you under a "body alarm" reaction. Order of shooting when faced with multiple assailants, and what you will have to do with your arms. Protecting a third party. Learning one-handed responses, which "seem to have some hard-wiring in our brain." And all of the precise types of actions you need to practice to keep your muscle memory acute and strong. These outstanding presentations by Ralph Mroz and David Kenik are crisp, clear and absent any wasted time or effort (as the good tactical mindset should be). Most of the DVDs are over 2 hours long, and the total of over 11 hours of instruction is 100% solid information. Watch the sample below: The most important take away is that the techniques that apply at the range or in pistol competitions can get you killed in tactical situations. You - as an individual needing to protect yourself or loved ones - will need entirely different training than that of a competitive shooter or member of a SWAT team. With his law enforcement background, Mroz often takes issue with standard or traditional instructions you might have received. "Many instructors teach .... " is followed by "Our advice is .... " Those new to shooting will likely go back and forth - from the video to the range - more often. For all shooters, these videos will bear rewatching periodically to fully incorporate the detailed series' of specific instructions. But these are by no means videos that require active exercises with your gun. If you are serious about using a handgun for self-defense and the defense of your loved ones, chances are you will pop the first DVD into the player and then tear through these lessons in huge chunks of consecutive time - because you will begin the process of VISUALIZATION: Thinking through these scenarios, on your own, ahead of time. Watching these DVDs will be a rewarding and entertaining way to spend a few hours in the evenings, or accompanied by a pot of coffee or tea on a rainy day. IMPORTANT REMINDER: These "Armed Response" training videos will be among your most valued and frequently- referenced self-defense resources, but they are not meant to substitute for in-person classes and hands-on practice. Fundamentals of Defensive Shooting (DVD) In this first video in the series, which serves as the foundation for the rest, you will learn how to develop combat accuracy at combat speeds under combat situations. (The entire "Armed Response" series is set up to view in succession, because the lessons of each recall the ones previous.) Training includes: Loading, unloading and reloading: including Hick's law, speed and tactical reloading, magazine management, and reloading the revolver. Updating the "four rules" of gun safety that every gun user should already know by heart. A full exploration of concealed carry options, with the pros and cons of each. Ideal vs realistic concepts of "stopping power." Not only how to fix malfunctions, but how to induce them in order to practice. Watch the trailer below: Tactics and Techniques for Defensive Shooting (DVD) This second video gets into the real meat of gun fighting and the all the stuff Harry Homeowner tends not to know - things you need to know how to do that go beyond shooting at the range. Just because you "have a gun" does not mean it's going to extradite you from deadly force situations you might encounter. You will learn: Massad Ayoob's four priorities of survival. Recognizing dangerous circumstances taking shape around you. The Tueller Drill. Empty hands self-defense in concert with gun fighting. When your firearm should come out. How to move around with a gun in your hand. Pieing cover and working from behind cover. How much of the bad guy you can get in line with your muzzle. Defense while at home or in a car - where to carry or keep your gun. Response time: Your limitations. And much more. Watch the trailer below: