TEXAS CHURCH TRAGIC SHOOTING

We are shaken this morning as we reflect on the tragedy of 26 people being killed in a Texas church. The photo above shows first a happier time at the Fall festival before the church was attacked and a later photo of the church members pulling together to remember and pray for the church and the members who have lost so much. Devin Kelley opened fire with a rifle at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. He began firing even before he entered the church killing 26 and wounding at least 20 others outside and inside the church. The shooter, Kelley had received a bad conduct discharge from the Air Force in 2012 after assaulting his spouse and their child. He served a year in confinement for the assault. His anger, bitterness and mental illness led him to the church where his In-Laws worshiped, but they were not in attendance that fateful day. An armed neighbor stepped in and chased Kelley while in touch with local authorities until Kelley apparently shot himself and wrecked after a high -speed chase. The church members and visitors that became victims that day range in age from 5 to 72 and an unborn baby. A pregnant woman along with three of her children were killed. Church members report the pastor’s 14-year- old daughter was among the victims. One family lost eight family members. Everyone in this small town lost a friend, a neighbor or a family member. Many businesses and organizations are rethinking security. Our nation is in mourning as we reflect on the recent tragedies in our nation that place all of us at risk and rip at the peace and security we all cherish in this nation.