Jesus routs robber

A group of Florida women bested a gun-toting robber last week after ordering him, in the name of Jesus, to leave the house where they had gathered for a jewelry party.

The masked man, later identified as Derek Lee, entered the Lake City, Fla., house through an open door, pulled a gun, and announced he intended to rob the 15 women there, according to a report by News4Jax.com. When one of the women started to laugh because she thought it was a prank, Lee pointed the gun at her head and threatened to shoot her.

But homeowner Jacquie Hagler refused to believe the criminal had the upper hand.

"In the name of Jesus, get out of my house now," she said, boldly standing to face him.

When he didn't leave immediately, the other women started chanting "Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!" After taking one quick look around the room, Lee ran back out the door. Police caught up with him later that night, thanks in part to the women's description.

"I've just always believed in God's Word, and He says He's there to help us in times of trouble," Hagler later told the local television station.

Despite Lee's threat to hurt her and her friends, Hagler said she forgave him and was praying for his salvation. One of the other women at the party, Afton Brown, said she thought God was trying to reach out to the criminal.

"Hopefully he'll get the message, and hopefully it's a story that can be turned to good," she said. "Hopefully he'll have a testimony."