Rev. Steve Dorn, pastor at Abiding Savior in Killeen, Tex., and WELS military contact pastor for nearby Ft. Hood, continues to minister and offer comfort to his members impacted emotionally by the shooting rampage there Nov. 5 that left 13 dead and about 30 others injured.

Twenty-one families from the congregation either live on the base or have members who work there as civilians or service personnel. Another six congregation members are military personnel stationed at Ft. Hood but deployed elsewhere. None was among the killed or injured. Dorn says one of the wives of a deployed soldier remarked how strange it was to feel thankful that her husband wasn't home.

Still, with 90 percent of the congregation having direct ties to the base, Dorn says his members have been "shaken." On Nov. 8, the first Sunday after the shootings, Dorn introduced the worship service with the following words: "In worship we are not going to have all the answers this morning. But we are reminded that God does rule—he rules our lives with his wisdom, power, and love. That is a truth that cannot be changed."

Dorn says as he meets with families individually, he's hoping they are at peace. "I'm directing them to the overriding peace we have in Christ; I do that every chance I get," Dorn says.

Dorn says if there's any one common reaction to the tragedy it's that his members are praying, not for themselves, but for the family of the alleged shooter, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan. "They're praying for that guy's family who will be facing a lot of hatred," says Dorn.

Dorn says he also has been spending time in prayer. "We thank God for watching over us. We pray that those dealing with the pain of injury and death, and the anger brought on by betrayal, will find peace and safety in Jesus."