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Stories shared in response to the October 1, 2015
tragedy at Umpqua Community College

Stories shared in response to the October 1, 2015
tragedy at Umpqua Community College

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I was listening to my wife while scanning the news story I felt so angry. Helpless. Why can’t we protect our children? Whats wrong with us? Isn’t there something deeply broken in a culture that doesn’t protect the young and vulnerable?

I feel the most connected to the community through my church congregation. I have such mixed feelings about the event. I’m not sure I have made any progress in healing because the violence continues!!

Being a strong believer in Jesus, my Lord & salvation — where my true strength comes from, I felt an absolute need to lay face down & call on Him to help me deal with all of this. He was & is faithful. Seeing the response of the community deeply affected my life & caused me to want to help & contribute in some way.

For many days afterwards, whenever I was reminded, I felt “aftershocks” of fear and surprise. Fear that I could have lost a loved one and surprise that this happened here. At home.

It is the resiliency and determination I see in the community and my wife, to move forward and not give in to the fear, that gives me hope for the futures.

[Survivors] came to my neighbor’s for Thanksgiving and they managed to have a very nice day together. My prayers are with them and all those affected by this evil act.

We just need to be prepared for whatever comes in life.

My grandson, after losing one of his close friends in a drowning accident in May was now experiencing the loss of another close friend in the senseless shooting at UCC.

I am still angry, but as time passes I try to dwell on “what good might come from this tragedy.”

I was so blessed to see over 40 singers and dancers come to Jacoby Auditorium on Oct. 30th from Oahu Hawaii to share a message of true love and healing in Jesus’ name. AM-700 radio presented the promotion, UCC provided the venue and God showed his strength to a full house of people who genuinely care for their neighbors.

I was scared to go to school the next day. I felt good about them making signs, bracelets, and shirts.

I am so proud of the local police and first responders…. they were amazing!!

I met and talked with a young man who had just fled the campus. He told me how that morning he, by chance, parked on the side of campus that was away from the shooting. We sat in awe as we watched the news and I left him with the question if he is aware that God had saved him from tragedy. With wide eyes he agreed.

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A collection of writings from local students and community members

Written Stories

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Recordings of local community members talking about their response to October 1

Audio Stories

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Images of support from students, community members, and people around the world

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