A shocking incident unfolded during a Tuesday evening service at Spokane Cathedral in Washington when a man rushed the altar and attempted to assault Reverend David Gaines. Livestream video captured the event, showing Joshua James Sommers charging towards Gaines and throwing punches.

Remarkably, Gaines managed to deflect most of the blows, though he did sustain some hits to his left side. "He fell, and, instinctively, I tried to help him up," Gaines recounted in an interview. "That's when he started swinging again. I vividly remember deflecting his left fist as it came towards my face multiple times."

Despite the attack, Gaines responded with remarkable composure, repeatedly saying "It's OK" and urging Sommers to calm down. He later explained, "I don't know where that calmness came from. Perhaps the Holy Spirit. I suspected he was struggling with mental illness, as I'd never encountered him before."

Immediately after Sommers was escorted out, the congregation began praying for him. It was later revealed that Sommers, who is not a member of the church, was experiencing homelessness and had been brought to the service by a mother and son hoping the "healing novena" would benefit him. Authorities later informed Gaines that Sommers has schizophrenia.

Gaines expressed gratitude that Sommers was brought to the service, saying, "I'm thankful they brought him in. He came to a healing service, and now he's receiving countless prayers. God works in mysterious ways, and I trust something good will come from this for Josh, for our community, and for our collective healing."

Gaines requested continued prayers for Sommers, who is now facing charges of third-degree assault, fourth-degree assault, and fourth-degree attempted assault. He emphasized the importance of compassion and prayer for those with mental illness, echoing Christ's teachings of love and understanding.