PUYALLUP, Wash. – Josh Powell’s pastor says he spoke with Powell on the phone last Thursday night – just days before Powell killed his two sons and himself - and there was no indication of a problem or a “change in his outlook.”
“Josh spoke with me during that phone conversation about seeing him Sunday evening following the Sunday afternoon visit with his sons,” Pastor Timothy Atkins of First Bible Church said in a statement.
Just after noon on Sunday, Powell set fire to his home, killing his sons, Charlie and Braden, and himself. Powell was a person of interest in the disappearance of his wife two years ago.
“Although we had questions about the disappearance of Susan Powell, we made efforts to minister to (Josh) through giving counsel in making needed changes in his life…,” said Atkins.
Atkins said in October of 2011, he helped Powell move from Puyallup into the house in Graham, and in November, Powell asked him to assist with child visitation by supervising visits with his sons.
“We were supervising weekly visits in our home for The Department of Social and Health Services between Josh, Charlie and Braden. Our children would play together during these visits,” said Atkins.
Atkins said three of his four children attended school with Charlie Powell at Carson Elementary School.
He said he and his family have been deeply affected by the deaths of Powell and his children because of his relationship with Powell as a “neighbor, a pastor and a friend.”
“We are continuing to be in prayer for the Cox family and the Powell family that they may receive mercy and find grace to help in this time of need,” he said.
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