Real Multi-Attacker Mugging Survival

I am an internal earthquake of emotional and intellectual tectonic shifting caked in a dehydrated quagmire crust of unsuspecting artificial calm.

Then I went to Pt Group, and I got better. Thank God for these men who are my mirrors. These brothers are my reassurance that there is hope for me.

Then I went to the Gateway Men’s Breakfast. I heard Andy Baxter refer to my martial art specialty as ‘Night Fighting’, which was hilarious. Other than confusing Knife Fighting for Night Fighting, Andy did what he does so well….he became a clear, clean vessel for God to communicate to me. I realized how blessed I am in my renewed relationship to my earthly Father, because of my Heavenly Father. I was also challenged by his message and conversations with men empowered by their faith in God’s grace.

Gateway is blanketed in God’s grace!

And the men are the spine of this powerful body!

I want to record the email conversation I had with a former student today, as well. Ken is a Kali Silat student from back in MO. He came to me with a background of martial art skill already, but he claimed to be captivated by my expression of it. He is also a Christ-follower, so his perspective is inspired, which I think our conversation will make clear.

So here’s the skinny:

Ken Murdock

How are u?

Jason Heriford to Ken

Challenged, but joyful.
How are you doing?

Ken Murdock to me

I am blessed. I was mugged a few weeks ago for my iPhone and I am all healed up. There was five of them but I was a faster runner and Anyta was not with me. God saved my but again. The training you gave me helped a lot. Thank u!

Jason Heriford to Ken

Praise God. Hallaluha!
Where were you? Can you give me any details? I understand if you don' want to go any deeper.
How is your beautiful wife?
Are you going to church anywhere? Just curious.

Ken Murdock to me

Church yes but I go to a few just to meet others in Christ!

Walking to my home from the delmar loop I was hit from behind and as I turned around punch drunk was hit a few more times. Then I just started swinging until I could run.
At one point I held on to one guy and was about to throw him into traffic when I heard my grandmothers voice say "Thou shall not kill" and since I had enough training I was able to just run.
I ran out into the street and a cop was in traffic not far away. I ran to his car like it was base in tag.

Jason Heriford to Ken

'Base in Tag'...you are crazy-funny!
That had to be nuts. I'm sorry it happened, but I'm so proud of you I could shout it off the top of Kiliomonjaro!
It also excites me to know that you give the glory to Jesus in this. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope you don't mind if I brag on you some.
PS - and it looks like you got away with your iPhone to boot.

Ken Murdock to me

Yes! Share the story and let your students know running is ok.
A quick mid combat prayer is even better!
The best thing about martial arts is that it gives you options.

Btw I did get away with my phone only bc I did not give into my ego which told me to stand toe to toe with them.
My human ego has always been a challenge for me. God is working on my defects of character.

Be well brother
Yours in Christ


Kenny Murdock

I think there is a lot in this conversation that speaks in different ways to different people, so I felt like sharing.

God Bless,

Jason