BMH Editor's Blog

African Children Have Uniforms, Thanks to Lititz

Posted by Terry White on February 16, 2009  |  No Comments

The ministry team from the Grace Brethren church in Lititz, Penna. (Scott Distler, pastor) has just returned from the Central African Republic. Here is a portion of their report, as adapted from a team member’s diary on Pastor Distler’s daily blog:

Our final day in Africa started with worship, checking our luggage with Air France, and a trip out to the Orphan Welcome Center to meet as many sponsored children from Lititz as possible.

Let me take a moment and explain the difference between a Hand-in-Hand partnership and what goes on at the Orphan Welcome Center. Hand-in-Hand is a partnership between a church in North America and a Grace Brethren Church in the Central Africa Republic, outside the capital of Bangui. It may have up to 50 orphans that are taken care of (shelter, clothing, and food) by people in the African church, overseen by the leadership in the African church. The church in the States provides resources for a Christian education.

The Orphan Welcome Center is not an orphanage but rather a ministry center inside the capital of Bangui. The property is about an acre in size, surrounded by a wall, recently protected with razor wire. The razor wire was purchased by Grace Church, using excess Birthday Gift for Jesus funds.

During our visit we learned that prior to the razor wire there were several times bad guys climbed over the wall at night. One time the full-time guard was severely beaten trying to protect the property. The staff and missionaries are very thankful and relieved Grace Church was able and willing to provide this security and protection.

Inside the gated walls is a two-story building that contains multiple classrooms, administrative offices, a doctor’s office, and storage. Also on the property are the guard’s house, toilets, and a well. There is plenty of room for the children to run and play. This facility is used by the individually sponsored orphans that live in Bangui with other family members. These children either walk to school or are brought in by vans. Grace Church has purchased a new van with excess Birthday gift for Jesus funds. It should arrive very soon, and the school is more than ready to use it.

On our visit John received disturbing news that his child [the orphan he sponsors] Fiacre is not doing well. He is HIV positive and his body is starting to reject the meds he is currently taking. News like this really breaks your heart.

[We]were able to meet the child my parents sponsor, and our team was able to sit in on one of her classes. Then we presented soccer uniforms Lititz Christian School gave. Madame Alexandrine handed them out to boys who ran around the playground area in a line (picture attached). The rest of the students came out of their classrooms onto the balcony and porch and cheered. After some pictures of the boys, a group of girls came out wearing new uniforms that are being made for the students.

Those of you who are sponsoring an orphan are making a difference in the life of a special child. The Orphan Welcome Center is an incredible facility, run and staffed by Africans who are teaching, discipling, and caring for these orphans.

Wooster Teen Honored

Posted by Terry White on February 16, 2009  |  No Comments

Brock Gerber (pictured at right), a young man from the Wooster, Ohio, Grace Brethren church (Robert Fetterhoff, pastor) is honored this week in the local newspaper. Here is an excerpt–to read the entire article click here.

Columbus Church Discipleship Conference Set

Posted by Terry White on February 14, 2009  |  No Comments

The Fourth Annual Discipleship Conference will be held Friday through Sunday, February 20-22 at the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus, 8225 Worthington-Galena Road, Westerville, OH 43081

“Transforming Grace” is the theme with keynote speakers Dr. Jerry Bridges and Dr. Steve Brown, including a Friday night concert with Sandi Patty.

Conference materials say, “Don’t just settle for change that comes from following rules. Instead come and learn how God’s grace can transform you.”

Registration of $40 per person includes the concert, all sessions, and refreshments and lunch on Saturday. For more information, visit www.gracebrethren.org or call 614-410-3212

Martine Yougouda Reflects on Four Months on the Run

Posted by Terry White on February 14, 2009  |  No Comments

It is good to get reminders of the stresses and difficulties some of our Grace Brethren people in other parts of the world are experiencing. Martine Yougouda (pictured), the wife of Dr. Pierre Yougouda, who for many years led the Grace Brethren churches in the Central African Republic, this week was in the capital city of Bangui and visited with GBIM board member Miriam Pacheco, who is on an extended visit to the C.A.R. Here is a portion of Miriam’s report on her visit with Martine:

“I had a delightful time this morning with Martine Yougouda. We talked a lot about the Hand in Hand school in her church. She’s not the teacher, but she’s the mover & shaker for that school.

“And we also talked about her time during the most recent war. There were soldiers brought down to C.A.R. from the Chad and they became disenchanted very quickly because they didn’t get the pay they had been promised, so they took out their vengeance on the people in the North.

“Martine lives in the northern village of Bougila. Her husband was in Bangui at the time and couldn’t get home, so she fled with 11 children that she was caring for and they lived in the bush for four months. They walked at least 100 miles, and she said they often didn’t eat for a couple days at a time.

“The soldiers came into their home and took everything they had, but they did not touch the house itself. Martine said when she did come home, she was angry with God for allowing them to take all her stuff. Then she had a change of heart and repented, and is now thanking God for caring for them and helping her realize that she really needs only Jesus.

“She said she would get up in the morning and pray, ‘Lord, we need food to eat today,’ and He would supply something for them to eat. This statement was striking ~ ‘we have nothing, but we are happy.’

“I was in tears as she talked. What a sweet spirit flowed from her, and the expression on her face was one of peace and happiness.”

A BIG Beetle is Enroute to Central Africa

Posted by Terry White on February 14, 2009  |  No Comments

A huge, awkward-looking machine named Beetle is going to provide clean water for tens of thousands of Central Africans for decades to come. Built by the Gill Rock Drill Co. in Lebanon, PA, the Beetle is a very specialized piece of equipment especially designed to drill water wells in the most rugged of circumstances.

Later this month the staff of Integrated Community Development International (ICDI) will be loading the new Beetle, along with several thousand dollars of supporting equipment and supplies, onto a cargo ship destined for Africa.

How did ICDI come into possession of this blessing? ICDI founder and CEO Jim Hocking says, “Well that’s a tremendous story of God’s leading and the faithful generosity of John and Chris Repasky.”

Hocking explained that Repasky is the president of Hanover Architectural Products in Hanover, PA. For several months John and his crew at Hanover have been in the process of building a custom-designed well-drilling rig for ICDI’s work in the Central African Republic, originally scheduled for delivery in time for the 2009 well drilling season.

Engineering delays, however, have slowed the construction process. Repasky, unsettled that people were in desperate need of clean water, found a barely used Gill Beetle for sale at the Volvo Construction Equipment Co. in Lewisberry, PA.

Several phone calls later John was face-to-face with the sales staff at Volvo sharing about how God was going to use this piece of equipment to save many lives. Everyone was thrilled and they have pitched in to make this a reality. Currently ICDI’s garage manager, Doug Murtoff, is training to operate the Beetle and he is preparing to head to Africa for six months.

For more information, or to receive regular updates on the ministry of ICDI, log onto http://www.icdinternational.org/

Wilda Pappas of Columbus Dies at 91

Posted by Terry White on February 13, 2009  |  No Comments

Wilda Pappas of the Grace Brethren church in Columbus, Ohio, and matriarch of a family heavily involved in ministry around the world, has graduated to her eternal home and is in the presence of the Lord. Her son, Grace Brethren missionary to Germany John Pappas, was with her, and her son Thomas and his wife Kristine, currently living and ministering in Greece, arrived at the very time she passed.

Mrs. Pappas, whose 91st birthday was February 8, suffered a massive stroke last week and her health declined since that time.

Wilda Pappas was the oldest board member of Widow2Widow, a ministry founded and directed by her daughter-in-law, Kristine Pappas, who authored the BMH book Widow For a Season. On the widow2widow.net website Kristine described her mother-in-law this way:

“Wilda Pappas lost her husband in 2003 after a sudden heart-related problem. Wilda has five adult children, several of whom live in various countries around the world. She is active in her church and community and involved with missions, various prayer teams and Bible studies, and ministry to other widows.

“Wilda is a real prayer warrior and is the prayer team leader for Widow-to-Widow Ministries. Wilda loves wildlife and enjoys caring for her many flower beds in the summer and watching the birds and deer that frequent her yard year-round. She also enjoys handwork such as sewing, knitting, and crocheting.”

Obituary:

Wilda J. Pappas age 91, a long time resident of Worthington, died Thursday, February 12, 2009. She was a member of Grace Brethren Church where she mentored young women.

Her passions included gardening and music. She was also a wonderful cook. She is preceded in death by her husband Gus C. Pappas, brothers Dudley and Albert Briggs, sister Evelyn Schulz.

She is survived by children Paul Pappas, Margaret Anderson, Elizabeth ‘Kitty’ Pappas, John (Rebecca) Pappas, Tom (Kristine) Pappas, sister Charlotte (Willard) Wood, brothers Robert (Doris) Briggs, Tom (Betty) Briggs, sister-in-law Aline Briggs, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends Sunday from 5-8 PM at Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 N. High St. (1/2 mile south of I-270) Funeral service will be Monday at 10:30 AM with calling an hour prior at Grace Brethren Church, 8225 Lazelle Rd. Family will observe burial on Tuesday at Walnut Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Grace Brethren Church Missionary Support for the John Pappas Family, 6675 Worthington Galena Rd, Worthington, OH 43085.

Share your memories of Wilda online at www.schoedinger.com

‘Learn and Grow Biblical Counseling’ Seminar Offered

Posted by Terry White on February 13, 2009  |  No Comments

BMH books author and Grace Theological Seminary graduate, Robert Kellemen Ph.D. (pictured), will be speaking this coming Thursday, February 19, from 9 AM to 12:30 PM at the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, Indiana. Anyone interested in learning and growing as a biblical counselor is invited to attend.

From 9-9:30, coffee and donuts will be served, and then from 9:30 to 11:30 there will be an open forum. Dr. Kellemen will lead a question-and-answer time on biblical/Christian counseling–anything from general questions about the field, to specific questions about how to help people in various struggles.

Dr. Kellemen will also share an overview of his books: Soul Physicians, Spiritual Friends, and Beyond the Suffering. Plus he will announce his latest two books to be released by BMH in 2009 and 2010.

Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is chairman of the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Discipleship Department at Capital Bible Seminary in Lanham, Md. He also works as a consultant for the 50,000-member American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). He is the Director of the AACC’s Religious Leaders’ Division and also the AACC’s Theology and Pastoral Counseling Director. He earned his B.A. in Pastoral Ministry from Baptist Bible College, his Th.M. in Theology and Biblical Counseling from Grace Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Kent State University.

From 11:30-12:30 the Thursday meeting will continue with a light lunch on site, and the discussion will continue for those able to stay.

After 12:30 and continuing until 3:30, Dr. Kellemen will be available for private consultation on counseling cases participants might want to discuss. The entire event is free and open to the public. No reservations are needed.

Oberbrunner Shares Podcast Platform with Guy Kawasaki

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on February 13, 2009  |  No Comments

Grace Brethren pastor and BMH Books author Kary Oberbrunner (pictured at right) has been making the rounds of radio talk shows and podcasts to promote his new book, The Fine Line, which was released in December by Zondervan.

This week he is on the latest podcast (Episode 65) from Catalyst, the Atlanta group that provides conferences and resources for next gen leaders in the church. His interview begins at about 45 minutes in, if you want to by-pass the main interview… Guy Kawasaki. (Guy is one of the leading minds on marketing and innovation in the world. He is an uber blogger, former MAC evangelist for Apple, Twitter extraordinaire, author of nine books, and soon to be speaker at Catalyst West Coast. )

Kary is pastor of discipleship and leadership development at Grace Church, a Grace Brethren church in Powell, Ohio (Rick Nuzum, senior pastor).

Catalyst Church-Plant Facing Financial Crisis

Posted by Terry White on February 13, 2009  |  No Comments

Catalyst church, the new Grace Brethren church plant recently featured on the front page of the Akron (OH) Beacon Journal (see blogpost of February 6) is facing an immediate financial crisis. Here is the good news–and the challenging news–from church-planting pastor Jonathan Herron.

The good news:

The past two Sundays we have seen record attendance at our new worship location (120+ each weekend) with our demographic largely Kent/Akron college students and young, blue-collar twenty/thirty-something adults.

In God’s providence, this past Saturday Catalyst was the FRONT PAGE STORY of the Akron Beacon-Journal, reaching thousands.

The challenging news:

Our demographic, while passionate in volunteerism, is lacking in the ability to give substantial finances due to their stage of life. Yesterday’s giving (Feb 8th) reflects this: just under $500 total.

With our regular ministry costs consisting of worship location rent, office space rent, one part-time and one full-time staff, Catalyst is in a very serious financial pinch. We are a start-from-scratch church plant with zero reserves (or bank loans); we have always lived hand-to-mouth.

Catalyst needs to raise capital quickly or face possible dissolution. Our immediate, urgent need to cover rents is $4,300 by this next Sunday, Feb 15th. Any help or advice you might have to offer would be incredibly appreciated. Responses may be made to http://www.catalystchurch.cc/paypal.html

Thank you for your consideration -

Jonathan Herron
jon@catalystchurch.cc
CatalystChurch.com
SUN 10:30am REGAL CINEMAS

McCall Book on Loving Your Wife Now Available

Posted by Terry White on February 13, 2009  |  No Comments

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, BMH Books is pleased to announce the availability of Larry McCall’s newest book, Loving Your Wife as Christ Loves the Church.

McCall, the author of the popular BMH book Walking Like Jesus Did, in this new book delivers a powerful message for men who did not grow up with dads who were good role models, or for men who need to be reminded that Christ is the perfect husband to His bride, the church.

In his typical crisp, biblical style, McCall lays out 14 chapters, most of which contain practical, biblical descriptions of various aspects of love—love that is practical, protecting, purposeful, passionate, praying, purifying, pardoning, persevering and much more. Every chapter concludes with discussion questions and action steps that make the book perfect for one-on-one mentoring, small-group discussion, or for personal thoughtful reflection.

Larry McCall, a graduate of Grace College and of Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, has also earned his doctorate from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Since 1981 he has pastored Christ’s Covenant Church in Winona Lake. He and his wife, Gladine, have three married children.

Author Jerry Bridges says, “Since we are all ‘in process,’ every husband, regardless of how long he’s been married, will profit from this book.” Author and pastor Tedd Tripp says the book “through clear, thorough exposition exposes the many facets of what it means to love like Christ.”

The 200-page paperback retails for $15.99, and quantity discounts are available. The ISBN number is 978-088469-304-8. To order, log onto www.bmhbooks.com , call (toll free) 1-800-348-2756, or contact your online or local bookseller.

‘Don’t Just Throw a Bible Verse’ at Unemployed

Posted by Terry White on February 11, 2009  |  1 Comment

Bob Combs, pastor of the Grace Brethren church in Norton, Ohio (south) is quoted today in a local column on helping those who have lost jobs. Here is an excerpt–you can read the entire article by clicking here.

“Don’t just throw a Bible verse at someone who lost a job,” said the Rev. Bob Combs of Norton’s Grace Brethren Church. “I think we can tell them that they will grow from this, that the pain won’t be wasted if we can stay open to God. But there is not a lot we can say.”

Renewed Vision at Philadelphia Church Results in Changed Lives

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on February 10, 2009  |  No Comments

Bruce. Mary. Drew. April. They represent the many changed lives at the Urban Hope Training Center in Philadelphia, Pa. They are also the result of the vision of a struggling congregation who still had hope for their changing community. Read more in the January-February issue of FGBC World, which is available at your local Grace Brethren church or online at http://www.fgbcworld.com/.

Register Now for Organic Leadership Conference

Posted by Terry White on February 9, 2009  |  No Comments

Main session speakers for Friday night include Ali Eastburn, founder and executive director of “With This Ring,” and Dr. Larry Richards, who has written more than 200 Christian books, including commentaries on every book of the Bible and Zondervan’s best-selling Adventure Bible and Teen Study Bible, which he did with his wife, Sue.

To see the conference home page, click here.

Grace Brethren Pastor Encounters Obama

Posted by Terry White on February 9, 2009  |  No Comments

Retired Grace Brethren pastor Dave Mitchell, who now lives in Winona Lake, Indiana, encountered President Obama enroute to the president’s address today in Elkhart, Indiana. Here is part of Dave’s report:

“Today I was in Goshen, Indiana, coming out of a shopping center, when president Obama drove by me…he didn’t even wave! Oh well, another exciting day in Indiana…”

Lloyd Woolman Obituary

Posted by Terry White on February 9, 2009  |  No Comments

LLOYD A. WOOLMAN (pictured), 84, of Grace Village Retirement Community, Winona Lake, Indiana, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 6:23 a.m. at Grace Village Health Care, Winona Lake, Indiana.

Woolman was born on August 21, 1924 in Preston, Washington, to Bernard Woolman and Pearl (Johnson) Woolman. He was married on December 8, 1946, to Elizabeth “Betty” Barnes, who passed away on December 27, 1990.

He was a professor at Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana, in the Physical Education Dept. where he was a coach, athletic director and dean of men. A 1963 graduate of Grace Theological Seminary, he was also the pastor of West Etna Community Church, West Etna, Indiana, and pastored Grace Brethren churches in California, Alaska, and Virginia.

He served in the U.S. Air Force and was discharged October 17, 1945. He was a member of Grace Brethren Church, past member of the Warsaw Kiwanis Club, and he received Coach of the Year in the MCC Conference in Soccer (2) and Track & Field (4). Woolman spent the last 18 years living in Arlington, Washington, and has been a resident of Grace Village Retirement Community, Winona Lake, Indiana, since October, 2008.

He will be missed by his two sons: James (wife Janiece Widman) Woolman (Arlington, Washington); Gary (wife Becky Kent) Woolman (Ft. Wayne, Indiana); eleven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and one brother: Ralph Woolman (Phoenix, Arizona). He was preceded in death by his wife and two brothers.

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 12, 2009, from 7-9 p.m. at The Chapel, 2505 W. Hamilton Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 14, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Grace Village Retirement Community in the Grace Village Chapel, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Rick Hawks will officiate, and burial will be in Concordia Gardens, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Memorials in Woolman’s memory can be made to Grace College Athletic Dept., 200 Seminary Drive, Winona Lake, Indiana 46590.

Lloyd Woolman With the Lord

Posted by Terry White on February 9, 2009  |  No Comments

Former Grace College coach and professor and Grace Brethren pastor Lloyd Woolman (pictured) went to be with the Lord at 6:23 a.m. today, Monday, February 9, from his home at Grace Village Retirement Center in Winona Lake, Indiana.

There will be a calling in Fort Wayne at The Chapel on Thursday, February 12, from 7-9 PM. On Saturday Feb 14 there will be a calling in Winona Lake at the Grace Village Chapel at 10:00 a.m. with a memorial service at 11 a.m.

His daughter-in-law, Becky Kent Woolman, said, “We are so thankful that his suffering is over and he is whole again. What an amazing privilege to be in God’s presence!”

A complete obituary will be posted when available. Woolman, who was honored in 2004 by Grace College for his service there, returned to Winona Lake from Washington State in October of 2008 and suffered a fall and several mini-strokes shortly thereafter. His health has declined since that time.

Lititz Team in C.A.R. Sends Back Reports

Posted by Terry White on February 8, 2009  |  No Comments

The Grace Brethren church in Lititz, Pennsylvania (Scott Distler, pastor) currently has a ministry team in the Central African Republic (pictured). In part, they are visiting orphan children they sponsor as a church. Click here to see a short video by Grace’s music and worship pastor, Matt McElravy, as he introduces you to several of the Lititz-sponsored children.

In addition, daily updates are being posted on Pastor Scott Distler’s blog at http://www.folkslisten.blogspot.com/

Here is part of today’s report from team member Mike McCracken:

In the market and walking back gave me several opportunities with people to make eye contact, smile, greet, and extend a handshake. While most speak Sango and/or French, a few spoke some English which makes it easier for me to extend conversation.

After lunch at the missionary complex the afternoon was free to catch up on journaling, reading, rest, and preparing for Sunday and our trip up country on Monday.

At 4:00 we went over to the US Ambassador’s residence to swim in their pool. US missionaries have an invitation from the Ambassador’s family to use the pool.

After dinner and clean up we spent some time with several of the missionaries, playing cards and talking.

As I’m typing this it is raining hard which is very unusual during dry season. It caused the neighborhood to quiet except for the sound of frogs croaking.

Sunday morning will take us to our Cattin partnership for worship. John Kegarise will be sharing with the group. And we all will be able to connect with the church family. On Wednesday we will return to Cattin while school is in session.

Monday and Tuesday will take us up country to our two schools in Bossangoa. This is a huge answer to prayer for our team to travel up to this area.

The missionary staff is a huge blessing to our team. They work well together and work hard to take care of us and the logistics of our itinerary.

The internet has been difficult to connect to the last couple of days. I will stay in touch as often as I can.

Thanks so much for praying. The team has been healthy and blessed. The next several days will be long and full (and will include meals in the villages).

Asia’s Hope Requests Prayer for Burn Victim

Posted by Terry White on February 7, 2009  |  No Comments

John McCollum, with Asia’s Hope (a cooperating ministry of the FGBC to orphans in Asian countries) this morning sent the following urgent prayer request. To read more of Asia’s Hope ministry, click here.

Greetings from Cambodia.

I need prayer for Sony, who is the wife of our national director, Savorn.

I just left a wedding reception for one of our Cambodian friends, and while I was on the phone with a friend still at the reception, there was an electrical explosion, and Sony was injured. Apparently she has burns to her face, arms and chest. I don’t know how bad it is.

Please, please join me in praying for her. Thanks.

Update: The explosion was caused by hydrogen-filled balloons.

Crazy. I know. And thank God, it could have been much worse.

At any rate, Sony is in the hospital with some 1st and 2nd degree burns. She’s in a lot of pain, and may have some scarring.

Please pray for a miraculous healing.

Kent Church Plant Uses Local Theater

Posted by Terry White on February 6, 2009  |  No Comments

The following article and photo appeared in today’s Akron (OH) Beacon Journal. The Catalyst is a Grace Brethren church plant in the Kent, Ohio, area. This is an excerpt.

Now showing: Sunday church services

Churches in need of space turn to local theaters.
‘Our incense is the smell of buttered popcorn’

By Colette M. Jenkins
Beacon Journal religion writer

Salvation is being offered at two local theaters on Sunday mornings before the first screenings begin.

”Our stained glass windows are on the movie screen and our incense is the smell of buttered popcorn,” said the Rev. Jonathan Herron, pastor of Catalyst Church. ”The church is not the building. It’s the people.”

Last Sunday, the people of Catalyst began meeting for 10:30 a.m. worship service at the Regal Cinemas, located at 5339 Darrow Road in Hudson. The move places the nondenominational Christian church in a group of about 300 congregations in the nation that currently use movie theaters for religious services.

The growing trend was considered a novelty 25 years ago, when Granger Community Church in Indiana began worshipping in a movie theater, according to Barry Brown, director of worship solutions with National CineMedia Inc. The corporation, which oversees non-movie rentals in AMC, Cinemark, Regal and other cinema chains, formed its worship solutions division two years ago to help the growing number of churches looking to rent space in movie theaters.

To read the entire article, click here.

Grace Grad Reflects on Recovery from Tornadoes

Posted by Terry White on February 5, 2009  |  No Comments

David S. Dockery (pictured), who received his Master of Divinity degree from Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, is the president of tornado-ravaged Union University in Tennessee. On this first anniversary of the devastating tornadoes of last year, he reflects on how God has worked.

FIRST PERSON: Out of devastation, God has worked good

By David S. Dockery

JACKSON, Tenn. (BP)–On the evening of Feb. 5, 2008 — a year ago today — people across Tennessee and the entire Southeast were going about their normal, everyday business — until 87 tornadoes broke out in the region.

The outbreak killed at least 57 people in four states. Hundreds of others were injured, including several here at Union University.

My life, like so many others on the Union campus, will never be the same on this side of Feb. 5, 2008. That night’s events will be etched in my memory for years to come. I will never forget the eerie darkness, the loud sound of the swirling tornado, the initial phone call informing us that large portions of the Union campus had been hit.

I will long remember the first impressions I had after arriving at the residence life area where walls were crumbling. Imprinted in my memory will be the look on the faces of shocked students, the amazing efforts of the rescue workers and heroic work of all of those involved in the initial response.

Devastation was all around, but there was no despair. The words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4 became our own. We were given a new way to see what had taken place on the Union campus. We began to pray that out of the rubble God would bring renewal to our campus.

We are now able to look back over the past year with both wonder and thanksgiving at the recovery and rebuilding process. Indeed, so many of our prayers have been answered in amazing ways. From the rubble, renewal has come, not just in the rebuilding process, but in the lives of students, staff, faculty, administrators and trustees alike.

First and foremost, we offer thanksgiving for God’s good and gracious providence. We also are grateful to the thousands of people who have helped us over the past year by working on campus, caring for our students, encouraging us, praying for us and generously offering financial support.

The devastation to the campus exceeded $40 million, the worst natural disaster in Southern Baptist history. Today, all six academic and administration buildings that were hit have been repaired. Seventeen new residence life facilities have been constructed. For every good work provided by the architects, engineers, contractors, sub-contractors and construction workers, we will forever be grateful.

Over the past year we have often found ourselves in uncharted waters. But by God’s grace, the Union family, with the help of so many, has moved forward with a renewed hopefulness in God’s amazing provision.

Hope is a powerful word. It is an eager, confident expectation that sustains us while we work diligently and wait patiently. Hope is not escapism, but is an energizing motivation for faithful living in the here and now. In the midst of our many challenges, hope has stabilized our lives, serving as an anchor to link us to God’s faithful providence.

Over the past year, we have learned anew that hope can shape and direct our service and provide motivation. While we have waited and watched, we have worked faithfully. This hope is not self-reliant motivation, but a confidence in God who oversees the affairs of human history.

As we look back over the past year, we still have many unanswered questions. Without hope and trust in God, the challenges of the past year would have seemed insurmountable. As a university community, we are now prepared to take the next steps with a full recognition that God’s good providence transcends the experiences of men and women.

Feb. 5, 2008, was the worst night in Union history, but there have been many, many good days over the past 12 months. We have learned that God can take actions that seem bad to us and use them for good.

But despite the difficulties over the past year, we now turn our attention to new challenges and new opportunities. As we refocus on the distinctive mission of Union University, we do so with hope and assurance that our great God can and does use such events as those of Feb. 5 for His eternal good — even events that are quite difficult for us to fully understand. Therefore, we face the future as a most grateful and hopeful people.

–30–

David S. Dockery is president of Union University in Jackson, Tenn. Union is located on the Internet at uu.edu.