By FāVS News Staff
Seattle church shooting claims life of young father
A targeted shooting outside The Pursuit NW church in Seattle claimed the life of 28-year-old father and new church member, Lebron Givaun, during a young adult ministry event. Pastor Russell Johnson called it a “brazen, broad daylight assassination” and described the day as the worst in his public ministry. Surveillance footage showed a gunman exiting a white vehicle, firing multiple times, then fleeing. Hours later, a matching car was found burned, but no arrests have been made.
The church is offering a $50,000 reward for information. Givaun had recently embraced faith and was working to change his life. Johnson expressed frustration with city officials’ delayed response and emphasized the ongoing grief among church members. Seattle Police confirmed the shooting was targeted but have not disclosed a motive. Despite the tragedy, the church plans to continue services.
Salvation Army sells properties to fund social programs
The Salvation Army Spokane has sold two Spokane Valley properties for nearly $2 million to support its social service programs amid rising costs and reduced government funding, reported the Journal of Business this week. The former thrift store and storage facility, located on E. Sprague and N. Skipworth, were sold to separate investors for redevelopment. Captain David Cain emphasized the move as strategic rather than reactive, aiming to ensure long-term sustainability. Proceeds will be added to reserve funds to maintain essential services, including shelters for children and youth, a transitional housing program and Camp Gifford. Cain said in the Journal that they offered the community an “incredible array of services” and that they were “not willing to budge on letting any of the programs go.”
Northwest Passages to host author James Patrick Thomas
Northwest Passages will present author James Patrick Thomas discussing his memoir “Atomic Pilgrim” at 7 p.m., Aug. 12, at the Martin & Edwidge Woldson Recital Hall in the Myrtle Woldson Center.
“Atomic Pilgrim” chronicles how individual faith, actions and persistence can challenge entrenched systems and hold powerful bureaucracies accountable.
General admission tickets cost $10. Reserved seating with book bundle and meet-and-greet costs $45. Students receive free admission with valid ID at the box office.
Bahá’í group launches interfaith discussion series
Beginning this fall, the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í faith will restart their “Meaningful Conversations Spokane” series. From 10-11:35 a.m, every Saturday, starting on Sept. 20, they will explore the “Comparative Religion and Spirituality Series” from the Bahá’í perspective. A FāVS commentator, professor of religious studies and member of the Bahá’í faith, Daniel Pschaida will give a series of lectures on how his faith approaches the unity of religions and will introduce the sacred truths of world spiritual traditions. These include Native American religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and more. The first religion to be discussed will be the Bahá’í faith. They will take place at Liberty Park library and will include a 40-minute presentation followed by a discussion. All are welcome to the free series, which will end on Nov. 22. To find out more or to register for the series, click here.
Biblical scholar to speak on Christian unity
A lecture on Christian Unity led by Mary Healy — biblical scholar, bestselling author and international speaker — is coming to Lumen Hall, 618 E. Wallace Ave. in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Aug. 23. This 90-minute event invites adults to explore Christian unity through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Healy is a member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, and her lecture aims to inspire deeper faith and ecumenical dialogue.
The event, which takes place from 6-7:30 p.m., is open to all adults seeking spiritual growth, whether deeply involved in ministry or simply interested in building bridges within the Christian community. Free venue parking is available. A goodwill offering is encouraged at the door, and light snacks and water will be provided. Infants are welcome; however, the event is for ages 18 and up. More information and registration to the event can be found online.
Embrace Hoopfest raises $40,000 for at-risk youth
Embrace Hoopfest raised nearly $40,000 to support children and families, with 50% benefiting Embrace Washington’s efforts to assist children in foster care with beds, clothing, tutoring, etc., and the other half supporting Hoopfest’s own youth and community programs. The event brought together players, donors and partners for a 24-hour basketball challenge, turning passion for the sport into meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
After the event was over, the Embrace Hoopfest team gathered at the Hoopfest offices for an official check presentation, celebrating the event’s impact with excitement and gratitude.
Held during Spokane’s Hoopfest weekend, Embrace Hoopfest empowers participants to become ambassadors for change — showing that basketball can be a powerful tool for hope, opportunity and community connection. Plans are already underway to make next year’s event even bigger.
