Church and Family Members of Deceased Pastor Forgive His Killer

   (Strenge's family members hugging David Nelson. Image: Faithwire)

David Nelson, the man who ran his truck into the car of Minnesota pastor, Verlyn Strenge, which killed him last year, has been forgiven by the family members and congregants of the late pastor.

During the court hearing last week, the judge was surprised at the decision of Strenge's family members. A prosecutor was also moved to tears when Strenge's daughter, Jayme Nelson, told David Nelson, “We forgive you.” 

According to reports, Nelson was driving at almost 70 mph and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.267 — three times the legal limit. He was found guilty of vehicular homicide and it was certain he would be spending three years at the state prison for his crime.

Jayme Nelson continued, "As hard as it was at first, we want you to know that we have been praying for you for the past year, because we know your life has been impacted by the biggest mistake of your life."

According to Inforum, the act of kindness towards David did not end there, Rick Moore, a member of the First Baptist Church, where Strenge preached, said he and others at the church had gotten much forgiveness and it was only normal that they show forgiveness too.

To affirm their forgiveness, Strenge’s widow and children walked up to David and hugged him.

“I forgive you, David. Please forgive yourself,” Strenge’s widow, Merry Gale, said while embracing Nelson. Strenge’s daughter also added, “I’ll be praying for you and your family.”

This is a rare case in the court and County Attorney Katy Lorsbach was said to have been moved to tears. Likewise, Judge Eric Schieferdecker concurred that this is a rare and he hasn’t experienced anything like it.

 

Strenge was a long time preacher of his church. He was aged 69 when he died on December 6, 2020. His obituary stated that his ‘’life goal was to share the love of Jesus Christ with anyone and everyone.”

“Verlyn was a devoted student to the teachings of the Bible. He read through the Bible at least six times every single year and committed many verses to memory. His love of Christ helped lift up countless communities and people in need,” his obituary added.