James Porch urges participation in offering for Union University
By Linda Lawson
3/26/2008
Baptist and Reflector
BRENTWOOD — Tennessee Baptist Convention Executive Director James Porch affirmed the recovery and rebuilding efforts of Union University and reiterated his request that TBC churches observe Sunday, April 6, as a Day of Prayer and Giving for the school.
Since storms ravaged the campus Feb. 5, damaging residence halls beyond repair and taking the roof off part of a classroom building, much progress has taken place.
• Residence halls have been torn down.
• Classes have resumed with students relocated to alternate housing.
• Individuals, churches, and organizations have stepped forward to contribute funds beyond what insurance is providing.
• Dedication of a new residential complex has been held and construction has begun. One-half of the new facility will be occupied by the fall semester with the remaining half completed by the beginning of the spring semester of 2009.
“Prayer and additional funds are the two biggest needs Union has right now,” Porch said. “We can allow God to use us in meeting both through this special emphasis on April 6.”
While Union was well insured, Jerry Tidwell, senior vice president for church relations at Union, said the need for additional funds is “not all building related, but it is all ‘tornado’ related.”
“We had about 800 students displaced by the storm that required housing,” Tidwell said. “Between the short-term housing we acquired and the refunds we gave back to students, we lost several million dollars.”
The second area of loss, Tidwell said, comes from the cancellation of several revenue-producing events slated for summer that require housing. For example, Union has hosted the largest Centrifuge camp for several summers.
Finally, he said, the new residential complex includes structural improvements to resist extremely high winds and “safe rooms” in each living area large enough for students on each floor.”
“We also acknowledge that God is in control and we will be the best stewards we can be with what He provides,” Tidwell said.
Porch urged churches to give generously over and above Cooperative Program gifts to meet the needs identified by Tidwell.
“We have the opportunity to stand in partnership with Union as they rebuild and move forward into an even greater future,” Porch said.
Funds collected April 6 should be sent to the TBC for processing. All funds will then be forwarded to Union.
To provide awareness of the Day of Prayer and Giving for Union University, the brochure mailed to churches as well as bulletin inserts and the offering logo are available at www.tnbaptist.org.
