Shooting victim and mother of three honored in Grants Pass

Grants Pass, Ore. — Pastor Christian Martin at Grants Pass Seventh Day Adventist Church said Sarena Moore leaves quite the legacy.

The 44-year-old was one of nine killed in the Umpqua Community College shooting Thursday. She was a mother to three sons. She was also a member of the Seventh Day Adventist congregation. Martin describes her as a prayer warrior with a close connection to Jesus.

The church dedicated part of their worship to Moore Saturday. They sang Michael W. Smith’s “Friends Are Friends Forever.” The message: through faith in God it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.

“In Christ and in Christ alone friendships are forever,” Martin said. “I will see her again.”

The song was followed by a moment of silence.

Martin said he was heartbroken when he heard the news of the shooting, and numb when he and others weren’t able to reach Moore. They knew she was a student at UCC. He said she often praised God for an opportunity for an education.

“When the door opened for her to go to UCC she gave God all the credit. She said God is good, he answered my prayers,” Martin said.

Martin and Moore became friends when Martin lived in Michigan. He said when Moore found out he would be moving to Grants Pass to be their new pastor she called him up, introduced herself, and asked if they could pray together.

Martin said even after Moore moved to Roseburg in 2013 she would often come back for services and kept in close contact with members. Preaching Saturday, Martin said his heart was heavy but also full of strength and hope.

He said one day he and Moore will reunite in heaven, their eternal home.

“We press forward in courage knowing that this all will end so we know there will be no pain, no sorrow, that’s a truth we hold on to,” he said.

The church is planning a memorial service for Moore. They’re also raising money for her family. If you want to donate checks can be made out to Seventh Day Adventist Church. They can be mailed to Sarena Moore Fund c/o Grants Pass Seventh Day Adventist Church 1360 NE 9th St. Grants Pass, OR 97526.