Protesters, Supporters Traveled From Far And Wide To Controversial Sacramento Church

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – A massive and passionate crowd was held outside of Verity Baptist Church in North Sacramento on Sunday by those angered by the hate-filled words of a pastor.

"We're going through some trying times, and we don't need anyone adding fuel to the fire," said Christopher Novak, a protester from Hawaii.

Novak heard of Pastor Roger Jimenez's sermon last Sunday where he said the people killed in the Orlando shooting deserved to die, and he flew all the way from Hawaii to be in Sacramento.

"Was this worth the trip? Yes it was. As you see I'm wearing my flip flops from Hawaii just to bring the Hawaii spirit," Novak said.

That peaceful Hawaiian spirit rang true for most of the day, except when an anti-gay protestor walked through the crowds.

Meanwhile, Eric Travez and his friend flew in from Los Angeles to show love for Pastor Jimenez

"A brother in Christ had the courage to preach the bible, courage not to back down from it when confronted, and I wanted to show support," Travez said. "I've watched his videos on Youtube; I've always wanted to meet him."

From the Bay Area to Southern California, and as even as far as Arizona, people came out from all over in big numbers.

And after it was all over, Jimenez came out to talk to reporters and have a short statement.

"We normally have 200 people and we had 281," Jimenez said. "I just wanted to thank the press for the free publicity."

Jimenez never did address the crowds, and the Sacramento Sheriff's Department had quite a presence out there, keeping things in order.