Comments on: “The providence of God ignites praise” says Dockery

By: Heroes at the Gate: Update from Union University « Provocations & Pantings

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 03:17:39 +0000

[...] at the Gate: Update from Union University A couple of days ago I shared a word from by good friend Ben Dockery who has been emailing updates to his family and friends. With his [...]

By: Adam Winters

Adam Winters — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 02:19:40 +0000

Nice post, Timmy. Tell our brother how much I appreciate this word of encouragement and his service at Union.

By: Elizabeth Watkins

Elizabeth Watkins — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:36:06 +0000

Timmy, you have been very reassuring, thank you! We have already been following the updates on the UUrecovery website and are amazed at the support and progress. We haven’t even considered another school, and that was the reason for our concern. We are 100% committed to Union, and will continue to pray and support Dr. Dockery and his team!
Elizabeth

By: Timmy Brister

Timmy Brister — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:42:39 +0000

Dear Elizabeth,

From what I understand, the Spring semester will continue and be completed with the “essentialist” approach–that is, doing everything essential for the recovery and recommencing of the Spring classes. Last word is that class will resume on the 18th.

Regarding the Fall semester, I am quite confident that the school will be back in full swing. Although the damage is significant, the administration is already executing a five-step plan to rebuild with both a short and long term strategy. I do not think that the Fall semester will have the “essentialist” approach that they are currently undertaking for the Spring semester.

The financial needs are great, as well as the volunteering. In order to streamline the efforts, I would encourage you to check with the official UU communications at UURecovery website. It is:

http://uurecovery.blogspot.com/

From one who is a former student of a Baptist college and one who has grown to appreciate the excellence in education found at Union, I can say that there is not another school I would recommend to your children. If anything, I think the events of this past week will only make UU stronger as we have already seen the caliber of students through the lens of their testimonies this past week.

One thing to remember is that is has not been a week since the tornadoes hit, and right now they are still dealing with the immediate needs which loom large over them. Your concerns are no doubt really important to them, and I am sure you are not alone with your questions. I would just encourage you to give them a little time to assess the situation as they prioritize their responsibilities. As a concerned parent, I understand that you are currently needing to make decisions while planning for the future, and I, along with you, hope and pray that Union will be a part of it. Thanks for sharing your concern, and I will be sure to pass it along.

Grace and peace,

Timmy

By: Elizabeth Watkins

Elizabeth Watkins — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:08:02 +0000

We did want to clarify our cause for concern; it is just the reassurance that the fall semester will be “open for business”. Emily realizes that we all must focus on the “bare essentials” for the next year, at least, and she said she is willing to sleep in a tent if necessary. However, we do realize that housing the students long term is going to be a serious challenge. If these high school seniors have not applied to any other college, and they will be affected in the fall, we would need to know as soon as possible, if other arrangements need to be made, because of registration and financial aid deadlines. Of course, we are in prayer that alternative plans will NOT have to be considered!!!
SDG,
Elizabeth

By: Elizabeth Watkins

Elizabeth Watkins — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:14:04 +0000

Dear Timmy and Ben:
Our family’s prayers are with the leadership, faculty, and student body of Union University. Our daughter is a member of another student group of Union, that while not residing on the campus yet, still was absolutely devastated by the news of the tornado… the high school seniors that have already been accepted into the 2008 Freshman Class. We want to do everything we can to help in the recovery effort.

After contributing financially, is there anything this new group of Union students can do as volunteers? I know that Dr. Dockery has SO MANY more pressing decisions to make, but my husband and I admit to being a little concerned concerning the fall semester. Again, our family wishes to help any way we can, and are willing to volunteer this summer if needed. Do you know if any plans have been discussed to contact the newly accepted students?

Soli Deo Gloria,
Carl and Elizabeth Watkins, and Emily (Union’12)

By: Angie

Angie — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 05:26:47 +0000

Thank you for sharing Timmy. A good reminder for me to continue praying for them.

Angie

By: Timmy Brister

Timmy Brister — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:28:58 +0000

Fresh Girl,

Don’t mind it at all. I hope there is something in there helpful for those interested.

By: Fresh Girl

Fresh Girl — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:24:54 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing that, and thank you Ben for what you’re doing and will do in the days ahead.

T, I hope you don’t mind that I’ve linked to this post in a compilation post about the past week. Inspired by another blogging UU alum, I also posted a list of personal UU memories.

May God bless her and her people forevermore.