It Started Out Like Any Other Thursday

 

Thursday of this week started out like any other; a quick trip to Bend and then I was to meet Judy for lunch in Redmond. Sitting for lunch at Chipotle we took a call from a daughter to talk about upcoming plans. Part way through the call I noticed a flurry of sirens and first responders in vehicles headed south on 97 towards Bend. I didn’t think much of it. Next, I got a text from another daughter (an ER nurse) to let me know what was unfolding at an elementary school in Bend. Later that day I saw a friend, retired law enforcement and part of the SWAT for Deschutes County. He heard the call come over the scanner. He was resolved to give honor to those acting quickly to mitigate loss. 

 

In an unspeakable tragedy another nightmare had taken place, and this time just a few miles from home. There aren’t words to describe it. Children had been killed. 5, 8 and 11; small children and another adult. Other than to say, unmitigated evil; my mouth is hushed. 

 

Less than 24 hours later the politicians are making political hay out of a horrifying catastrophe. There is neither shame nor conscience (Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, I’m looking at you). Let folks grieve and process. Save your soapbox for another day. 

 

Today we pray prayers of desperation. Today we mourn those we’ve lost. Today we ache for friends and family. Today we resolve to speak up for the innocent and condemn the guilty. Today we commend a dad that engaged the fray and stopped the evil cold.

 

My heart hurts for those that have lost children and loved ones. May there truly be some semblance of consolation found. Know there are many of us that have you all in mind. In some small way we share your pain.

 

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” – 2 Thess. 3:16 (ESV)

 

- DJM 

10/16/2026

 

 

         

    

 

Dan and Judy Morse live near Prineville, Oregon. Over the years Dan has done bi-vocational work, church planting, and served as a senior pastor in several churches. He now serves as pastor at Madras Reformed Church, and with InFaith as a Missionary Pastor in Central Oregon, assisting small and rural churches. He can be reached at danjmorse@icloud.com