16th October 2026

The United States has experienced a significant increase in school-related violence from August 2022 through April 2025, notably marked by a record number of school shootings. Yesterday three more were added to the tally at Silver Rail Elementary School in the city of Bend, Oregon. The three children killed were aged five, eight and eleven. A seven-year-old and a 54-year-old teacher were taken to a hospital in a critical condition.  The assailant was a 16 year old who also died at the school fter he was shot by a civilian. "We are stunned and heartbroken by this senseless tragedy," Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Steven Cook. "We extend our deepest sympathy to the families and to everyone affected by this violence. No words can adequately express the grief our community is experiencing. Our immediate priorities are caring for our students and staff and assisting law enforcement and emergency responders." 

Loving God, our hearts go out to our neighbours in Bend. We ask your compassion, love and care for the families of all who have died.  Be with them and uphold them in their grief. Place your healing hand on those injured and bless the medical teams working with them, that they may make a full and swift recovery. May your Holy Spirit be among all the children, staff and parents of Silver Rail Elementary School. May they feel your conforting presence and be guided to give support to one another in their anxiety and fear.  Guide the staff to know what to say and how to respond to distressed children so that going to school may not be frieghtening.  Help them to find peace within themselves and within the school.  Guide the authorities in the investigative work they have to do and lead congressmen and women to address the increasing number of lethal attacks on schools.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Last Friday, Sightsavers India, launched the ‘Looms & Lenses’, a new national initiative focusing on improving access to eye care for weaving and artisan communities. Sightsavers India aims to bring eye care closer to where weavers and artisans live and work, while recognising the skills, stories and aspirations of these communities. The initiative aims to reach 1 million weavers, allied workers and artisans by 2030, and provide 400,000 spectacles to those in need. Speaking at the launch, Kabir Bedi, Honorary Brand Ambassador, Sightsavers India, said The Looms and Lenses initiative is particularly meaningful as it supports India’s weavers, whose craft depends on precision, vision and generations-old traditions. By helping them protect their eyesight, we are not only improving their lives but also helping preserve an invaluable part of India’s artistic heritage.” RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, said, "By bringing eye screenings, spectacles and referral services closer to weaving communities, the programme aims to address vision-related challenges that can affect their productivity, income and independence." 

A prayer based Henry Francis Lyte's

hymn arrangement of Psalm 103

My soul, praises you Lord

for you are the King of heaven.

You have forgiven, healed, and restored, me.

For evermore I will sing your praises.

You know my weakness,

but you are always the same.

Your, grace and love, forgiveness and blessing

is always upon your people.

You care for us as a father cares for his children.

Angels adore you.

Sun and moon, bow down to you.

People of all times and places worship you.

Praise be to you God of grace, the High Eternal One.  Amen.