The pastor of a Texas church where a shooting took place during last Sunday's service says he had ministered to the gunman before.

CBN reports that Pastor Britt Farmer told a prayer meeting on Monday night that the gunman had come to the church before Sunday.

"I had seen him. I had visited with him. I had given him food," says Farmer.

He encouraged his faith community to continue to live out their mission as a congregation. "We know that God is with us and He went before us in an act of violence Himself. We will not give up, nor expect us to be silent - not until He's called us home."

In a Facebook post Farmer says that his congregation continues to lean on their faith.

"We want this community to know that we are strong in soul, strong in our faith, and strong in our church family. We stand on a principle that far outweighs our physical strength and abilities. Joshua 1:9 “Be Strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Farmer has asked the Christian community to continue to pray for his congregation.