Photo: GoFundMe

Paul Derkach.

One of the men who was shot during a Salmon Arm church shooting Sunday has a long road to recovery. 

On Sunday, a gunman entered the Church of Christ in Salmon Arm and shot Paul Derkach and Gordon Parmenter. 

Parmenter died on scene and Derkach was rushed to Royal Inland Hospital by air ambulance. He immediately had surgery and friends say it was a miracle he did not lose his lower right leg or foot. 

“He has a long road of recovery ahead that may include more surgeries and medical procedures in the near and distant future,” said Kendra Joy on a GoFundMe page. 

A rod has been placed in his right leg from his knee to ankle. 

Matrix Savage Gathergood is alleged to have burst into the Church of Christ during bible service , shooting the two men. He's now facing a first-degree murder charge. 

Police say Gathergood knew at least one of the victims. 

A GoFundMe was created with the goal of raising enough money so that Derkach can get through five months of living expenses. 

“He is devoted to his family and his church family, and is an amazing, loving dad and grandpa to his daughters and many grandkids,” said Joy.

“He is actively involved in his community and is well known as a kind friend and light to so many people. We are so thankful he is still here with us.”

A GoFundMe was also created for Parmenter’s wife Peggy. 

Gathergood’s first court appearance will be on April 23 in Salmon Arm.