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Roanoke police officer Bryan Lawrence was left unconscious after a beating by a Roanoke teen back on May 10. Lawrence is now at a rehabilitation facility in Atlanta, and his recovery is expected to take months.
Church members at Hollins Road Baptist Church have been praying for Lawrence, who is suffering from paralysis. Reverend Mark Washington talked to Bryan and his wife from Atlanta Wednesday afternoon.
"He's pretty worn out," says Washington. "He's been through quite [a bit] of therapy today, already pretty intense."
Officer Lawrence told Washington he felt like he was hit by a freight train when he was attacked. Washington says Lawrence still can't walk and can barely move his body, but he has some feeling in his legs. Church members are especially concerned because Lawrence is so well liked there. He's a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and he's even been known to preach there from time to time.
News7 has been told Officer Lawrence was thinking of retiring from the police force and entering the ministry full time. Church members are hopeful that will still happen one day. They believe prayer and Lawrence's determination will get him back on his feet.
"Bryan has certainly indicated he's going to take this as a challenge, and he's not going to let this defeat him," says Washington.
He's also apparently willing to forgive the man who police say assaulted him.
"I know he has expressed to me no ill feelings, and be able to forgive and move on," says Washington.
Lawrence has more important things to worry about. His son is getting married on August 1, and he's determined to walk down the aisle. But for now he'll continue to get plenty of prayers and support from his church family.
Several funds have been set up to help Officer Lawrence. They include the church and any Sun Trust Bank.
Rev. Mark Washington is talking to Officer Lawrence quite a bit and he is posting updates on the church's web site. Just go to www.hrbcministries.com and click on urgent messages at the bottom of the page.
Republished with permission of WDBJ-TV.
