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Crime

NY Pastor Tackles Alleged Robber & Tells Him God Loves Him…Here’s What Happened Next

Mar. 10, 2013 8:30pm Erica Ritz

New York Pastor Michael Jankowski Tackles Robber, Tells Him God Loves Him and Prays

Pastor Michael Jankowski (Photo: News12 Long Island)

A Long Island pastor dealt with an alleged robber in an unusual way last week, praying out loud for the man he found breaking into his church.

Newsday reported Friday that Pastor Michael Jankowski of Lamb’s Chapel was startled when he walked into his office Thursday morning to find the place trashed– and a man clad in all black with a ski mask rummaging through his desk.

“We just scared the daylights out of each other and both screamed,” Jankowski recalled.

Though he is in the middle of a week long fast, the 6-foot-1, 250 pound pastor reportedly tackled the intruder, grabbing him by the collar while calling 911 with his cell phone.

The robber allegedly left the office in a state of extreme disarray. (Photo via News12 Long Island)

“I’m not sure if the police are coming or not, so I just started to tell him we loved him and God loved him,” Jankowski said. “I said there was a different way to live. He didn’t have to live this way — that there was hope for him. And he was crying and shouting that he wanted to die. I prayed over him — loud. I had a captive audience.”

Jankowski said the alleged robber, now identified as 43-year-old Brian Cook, was clearly under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time. Cook kept saying how he needed to leave, and the pastor responded: “We care, but you’re not going.”

The tussle eventually went through a glass door and onto the sidewalk, News12 Long Island reported, the pastor all the while telling the robber that he doesn’t have to live this way and that God loves him.

(Photo: News12 Long Island)

Suffolk County police eventually arrived and arrested Cook. He was arraigned Friday on a burglary charge, and his bail was set at $5,000.

But Janowski still has hope for the alleged burglar.

“We knew that to break into a church, you’re pretty much hitting bottom…I feel that whatever time he serves he can get help and come out a different man, and it’s a home run for everybody.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Comments (62)

Sparktheunknown
Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:51am
I think we should all stop arguing about the validity of God. He said his people know his voice. Ergo if people don’t hear him and believe, they aren’t his. So lets just not argue. On either side. Why are we trying to change each other? Every man comes on his own, and in this day and age everyone’s heard it. This ain’t the rainforest. Stop trying to pick battles over private affairs. It’s like arguing with a man whether he loves his wife or not. Not your business. And if some guy wants to toot his horn over the virtues of his woman, who cares? Same with God. Though God’s not some man’s woman… just to clarify.

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YourVoiceMatters
Posted on March 11, 2013 at 12:56pm
Many a person has a moment of clarity in jail…And make awesome changes in their lives! Positive changes…It is after all choices that put them where they are…and the simple choice of accepting Christ opens the door to a new life of opportunities in the Lord you cannot quantify in the natural. Peace and forgiveness and love of a Father who is there for you…and as you get in the Book you realize it gets better from there! But the key to growing is in the learning from Him daily in His Handbook for life! I have seen Many lives totally transformed by turning their wrecked life over to the one who loves you most and loves you best…who stands and awaits your act of receiving the best gift you ever could receive in your life…no matter how you have already wrecked the thing….It is never too late! Repent (turn away from your past sorry for the things you have done) and ask for His forgiveness and you will receive it…No one loves you like Jesus…He paid the price for you already It is His gift to you…you just only have to receive it into your life and see the transformation He will make in you! <3

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abwehragent
Posted on March 11, 2013 at 9:46am
Justice tempered with mercy. The pastor did well. I too will pray for the intruder. There are no “accidents” or “coincidences.” The young man was given a golden opportunity, perhaps his last chance – that we cannot know. I had to hit absolute rock bottom, reach the end of myself before the LORD could reach me.

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YOURSENSEI
Posted on March 11, 2013 at 9:37am
This is what you must know:

Guess God was busy with this guy, so He had to let those six teens die in the freak SUV accident. There’s only so much one God can do, eh?

it is so.

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- JGraham III
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 10:06am
  No, there is only so much YOUR god can do. My guess is that you worship your god whenever you look in the mirror. If you really wanted to know more about the true God, reading the bible with an honest heart would be a great place to start. My God knows the number of hairs on my head and hears when the sparrow falls. He grieved when those 6 died and when the children in CT died. Your god inspires you to make snide comments in an attempt to undermine the faith of others; a faith that I suspect deep down inside you envy. Your god is the author of death; why don’t you ask him why he killed all those people?
  It is written.
  
  Report this comment
- YOURSENSEI
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 10:18am
  Mr or Ms JGRAHAM III,
  
  This is what you must know:
  
  If you but had the faith of a mustard seed, you could raise those Sandy Hook kids from the dead.
  
  it is written.
  
  Report this comment
- Mahtoska
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 12:33pm
  YourSensei, God Bless you :)
  
  Report this comment
- Voter713
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 1:20pm
  your sensei –
  From the very beginning we have wanted to know what God knows -we wanted to know about ALL the darkness of sin that leads to death! Now we do and you complain about death or disease or sickness then blame God as you have done (or you claim to not believe yet you still speak Him out for blame). We wanted to know – He gave us a choice and part of knowing what He knows is experiencing death disease and sickness! sin = DEATH. And yet after all that we, THE HUMAN RACE, has done to each other and to God we still have a choice to choose God or sin. He still Loves what He created…including yourself. Everyday you live by fatih – whether it be that you go to sleep and have faith you will wake in the AM or you get in your car and have faith your breaks will work. God is very real! So choose wisely.
  
  Report this comment
- JGraham III
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 8:29pm
  @yoursensi
  Funny you should cite having the faith the size of a mustard seed, as if that is to ‘put me in my place’. Fortunately for me I do. Furthermore I also know better than to try to display it around the likes of unbelief as you display. Not that you would believe it or care, but I have personally prayed for people and seen them miraculously healed. I know personally others who have prayed and seen the dead rise. If I had been in Sandy Hook I would likely have attempted what you suggest I lack faith to do, because at least someone would have tried. If the dead do not rise when someone prays for them, are they any worse off? You speak in mocking tones about things of which you have little understanding. It is largely a waste of time to try to convince your ilk, but there are others who read these posts that are not of your mindset who do believe.
  It is written again.
  
  Report this comment
- YOURSENSEI
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 8:46pm
  Mr or Ms JGRAHAM III,
  
  This is what you must know:
  
  “I know personally others who have prayed and seen the dead rise.”
  
  Really? Because if that were so, the world would have heard about it. People flock to see the face of Jesus burned into a grilled cheese sandwich, and you’re telling me you know people can raise the dead?
  
  Anybody here want to side with this Grahamtastic tale of delusion?
  
  Do yourself a favor – keep these “miracles” to yourself. You’re giving Christians a bad name.
  
  It is so.
  
  Report this comment
- JGraham III
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 9:43pm
  Ah my self-made philosopher it is not so. The world never listens or pays attention to what God does, even if He never does anything in a corner as it were. The reason you ain’t heard of these things is because Truth or the deeds of God don’t need your validation to be, as you are inclined to say, “so”. The dead raised believe and the person who receives miraculous healing believes also. Sorry about you. And if my believing in the miraculous makes me delusional, Praise God! Jesus Himself did not many mighty works in his own home town because of their unbelief. Try to wrap your head around it for to coin a phrase ‘The Word is so.’
  
  Report this comment
- YOURSENSEI
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 12:57am
  Mr or Ms JGRAHAM iii
  
  This is what you must know:
  
  Platitudes are not proof. Produce this risen person.
  
  It is so.
  
  Report this comment
- JGraham III
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 9:51am
  Why bother? You still would find some reason not to believe.
  You know it is so.
  
  Report this comment
- uncommon-pastor
  Posted on March 12, 2013 at 8:02pm
  Oh stop your whining foolish little man. People like you love to blame God instead of taking responsibility for peoples stupidity. Get over yourself!
  
  Report this comment
- Sparktheunknown
  Posted on March 13, 2013 at 9:44am
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaSqH8lhB0M
  
  lol.
  
  Report this comment
- Max jones
  Posted on April 10, 2013 at 6:08pm
  YOURSEnSEI….man, you are, just too good for this world…..I ask myself, “why would this sensei fellow deem it necessary to be here with us mortals?” I haven’t come up with any reason. Really you shouldn’t be here…..You just ruin the hopes of so many of us, prospective wannabes, who realize, once they read your stuff, that you have already reached such an ideal state of “wanna be” that totally exceeds any other in the history of wanna-be…that there is no use going on trying to be what we wanna- be. I could hate you for that.
  
  Report this comment
abwehragent
Posted on March 11, 2013 at 9:34am
“nothing about;” “I doubt”… In the limited space allocated to an article you chose to fill in the blanks from your own imagination. What a mind-reader you are, my friend. Going to see him in the slammer would be good, and might have happened. We simply do not know from the article. As for raising his bail, love does not equate to abdication of justice. Letting a person off the hook scott free has nothing to do with Christianity. So many people – including many who claim the Name of Christ, do not truly understand, in large part due to the scarcity of time spent both in prayer and in study of our “owners’ manual.”

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- whatthecrazy
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 3:10pm
  Sounds like Battles needs to be held down by a pastor who can then remind him that he is also loved and can do better in life.Just a thought.:)
  
  Report this comment
battles
Posted on March 11, 2013 at 9:09am
Nothing about the pastor trying to raise his bail. I doubt that he went to visit him in the joint either. So much for this pastor’s love. Well, at least he uttered many pious platitudes over him. I don’t have much use for this kind of loving pastoral exhibitionism.

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- e7705
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 9:50am
  Why should he raise his bail?
  
  Report this comment
PlanetReality
Posted on March 11, 2013 at 6:47am
Power of the lord!!!
But u would have to have faith to know it!!!
Every lost, lonely,angry and confused soul wants to feel the peace, love and happiness and goodness of our lord something that gets lost in this thing we call life!!!

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- rfycom
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 7:49am
  Dont overlook the power of structure and organization. The true value of religion is in the promise. Guilt people back to the promise. Fact is God is a busy man/women black/white/brown. He…it….they…. do not have time for petty crimes.
  
  Report this comment
- CorpsmanToPA
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 8:38am
  rfycom – God is not subject to time since he created it. So He has all He needs, and yes the things we consider petty, He may not. “My thoughts are not your thoughts, and My ways are not your ways” , says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8
  
  Report this comment
youshuthehellup
Posted on March 11, 2013 at 5:08am
Only the very few stay sober etc… sooner or later they all go back to old habit!

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- abwehragent
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 9:39am
  If we are referring to those who choose to self-will it out, or who graduate from the various “step” programs, they truly are merely reformed (you fill in the blank with your addiction or challenge of choice). Man on his own steam cannot make permanent change. We are imperfect and simply do not have it in us. Those who have been cleaned up by the Holy Spirit are fully clean. Temptations may come and often do, but they have His strength within to resist said temptation. Sadly, only those who have invited Him to do so are qualified by experience to judge the results properly.
  
  Report this comment
Lucius Severus Pertinax
Posted on March 11, 2013 at 2:10am
“The good news is: God loves you. The bad new is: I do not!”

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TurboCat
Posted on March 11, 2013 at 1:47am
I can imagine this whole scenario in my mind as I read it. I hope that it is included in a movie at some time.

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MetaphorBreeze
Posted on March 11, 2013 at 1:41am
Wow… what an amazing story and Kudos to the pastor!

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Hoozdaman
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 11:42pm
The only hope for poor saps in this guys condition is to “Let go and let God” (I learned that in AA). Kudos to the Christian pastor.

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- glassaudioguy
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 9:03am
  Blinkered- AA was STARTED by theists!
  
  Report this comment
- deeberj
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 12:49pm
  Glass – it was founded by a group that was modeled after first century Christianity. More than a theist my friend. They pulled back on the religion part later.
  
  Report this comment
glckgrl
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 11:42pm
I hope he gets clean and stays clean. I don’t think alcoholics are evil, just wasted. God can get anyone sober. I will pray for this man.

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bigdaddyt46
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 11:06pm
police eventually arrived

and that boys and girls is the pro gun stance wrapped up in 3 words.

being a Pastor’s son i know this is how a normal man of God responds. al not so sharpton and jessie jackazz would do the opposite. scream racist at the white robber after wetting themselves. smh

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jhp230gr45
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 10:53pm
Look at it this way…God was intervening for that robber…He should thank Jesus for his fortune that the Pastor that grabbed him and held him down telling him a message of love didn’t pull out a gun and shoot him…

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- Heb4Seven
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 11:22pm
  …uh…but, I thought they’re not allowed to have guns in New York…right?
  
  Report this comment
- 1947
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 11:29pm
  He’s one of Obama’s troops
  
  Report this comment
The-Monk
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 10:53pm
Looks like we finally get a look at a photo Wango….

I hope Wango makes bail; I miss his progressive drivel. LMAO !!

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- glckgrl
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 11:26pm
  I’ve missed you, Monk. Hope you are enjoying your new job. Best wishes to you, and your spunky wit!
  
  Report this comment
- YOURSENSEI
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 9:34am
  Mr or Ms THE MONK,
  
  This is what you must know:
  
  Easy. There you go. That’s right. I’m here. I’m right here. I’ve been busy workin’ on my new project. I Code name: Peepers. Yeah, it’s gonna be amazing. Full of insight and theory and even some facts as we know them. But mostly truth. I even ran it by a high ranking official in the Tea Party and he was all like, “Wow! This is amazing. It’s so full of insight and theory and even some facts as we know them!”
  
  Yeah, I’m writing it up now and will post it soon. Very soon. And when I do . . . hoo boy . . .watch out! it’s gonna blow your mind!
  
  I can’t wait. Well, I can, because I am, but I can’t . . . all at the same time!
  
  It is so.
  
  Report this comment
- deeberj
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 12:46pm
  Snesei – If you are going to come here and make snide remarks at least try to make sense or try to make a point.
  
  Report this comment
Whatmeworry-never
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 10:41pm
True faith in action is awesome to behold.

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truthhasno
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 10:32pm
What a Cool Pastor, Love Abounds (bible bashing does not leave bruises)
Jesus Took the Bruises for This Burglar

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sligresda
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 10:26pm
hope he is able to plead into drug court. good program. jail dont fix addicts.

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- glckgrl
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 11:28pm
  Ya gotta wanna or no program works. Willingness is only available through grace, but like you, I will pray for Mr. Cook.
  
  Report this comment
- Eastinfection
  Posted on March 11, 2013 at 2:32pm
  Most of the time rehab just allows junkies to meet other junkies and find new contacts to get drugs from or conspire to commit crimes with.
  
  Report this comment
OlefromMN
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 10:06pm
“We care, but you’re not going.”

That statement should ring in the ears of this “perp” as it should every other. We read this guy was willing to die because he was so low. The pastor let him know it was not his time.

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busterpuddles
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 9:24pm
After reading this I have a ton of respect for this pastor. That is the TRUE definition of tough love.

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whatthecrazy
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 9:20pm
The Pastor is lucky the robber didn’t have a pop tart?

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- DREDGE
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 9:33pm
  True, true, true!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- gyro
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 9:38pm
  ooooo
  
  Report this comment
- TruthSpeaker
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 9:54pm
  Thanks ! I needed that chuckle. Great response.
  
  Report this comment
- blackyb
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 10:40pm
  Lol. That is the best one of the day.
  
  Report this comment
LeadNotFollow
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 9:15pm
Pray that the robber comes out of jail a new man, because of the Pastor’s kind words.
God really does love him. I hope he comes to realize it.

Sure hope he gets the help he needs, for his addictions.
I also hope the Pastor helps him along his journey back into society.

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- blackyb
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 10:41pm
  Hate to be cynical, but that will last until he turns on a dime unless he does get saved.
  
  Report this comment
ChiefGeorge
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 8:55pm
i hope this man gets saved.

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- hatchetjob
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 9:00pm
  And if he started going to the church he just tried to rob.
  
  Report this comment
- LetThereBeLight
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 9:43pm
  Awesome story! It’s exactly what that man needed to hear! I too, pray he finds real salvation from this experience of Jesus-like love!
  
  Report this comment
- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 10:22pm
  The pastor left his life in the hands of God, dedicated pastor. The robber wanted to die, which means he was at the end of his rope. He is ready for a change, at least when he is stoned or drunk.
  I hope he is ready for change when he is sober, and the pastor is able to save him. May God be with them both.
  
  Report this comment
Clownzilla
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 8:46pm
If this guy broke into my place and endangered those around me I would of given him the privilege of asking God in person.

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- Smokey_Bojangles
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 9:13pm
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCnE0BfVNZE
  
  Report this comment
- The_Pointy_End
  Posted on March 10, 2013 at 9:47pm
  He had no weapon and made no assault. The pastor physically held him there and would not let him leave until cops showed up.
  
  Report this comment

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