Hurricane Ike

Well one consistent thing about life is that there is always hardship and tribulation. Someone is always going through a rough time. You may not have anything burdensome upon you right now, but there are many who do. So let's continue to remember those who are hurting around us and bring those requests to the Lord.

If you have been watching the news, you may have noticed that Hurricane Ike is set to make landfall sometime this weekend on the coast of Texas. Like the hurricanes that have come before it, remember those who will be displaced by this storm. Many are being evacuated even now, leaving their homes and businesses behind hoping to return there soon. But for many, they may never see those buildings again, and believe me that is hard to deal with. When what you know is wiped out before you, it can be hard to get through. So remember those people as they prepare for this natural disaster. And pray that God weakens the storm prior to its landfall. Gustav weakened greatly a few weeks ago and did not cause near as much damage as was expected. Pray that God can do the same with Ike.

Also, remember those tomorrow who will be dealing with anniversary of September 11th. It has almost been 7 years since that horrible day, and I am sure that it brings back those same emotions to the family members who lost loved ones. Pray for them and ask the Lord to remind them that He is always with them through the good days and the bad. Pray that tomorrow will be a day of remembrance for their family members and not a day of mourning.

I found out tonight that a friend here at Union lost her brother 2 weeks ago in a car accident. We were at church tonight, and she was crying at the end of the service. When I asked her what was wrong, she filled me in on what happened 2 weeks ago. Please pray that God will comfort her in this difficult time. I do not know what she is going through personally, but I can only imagine. I have lost grandparents and remember how hard that was. This is probably worse being a sibling. Pray that she will continue to depend on God for her strength through the coming days.

Finally, praise God that our semester has gotten off to a great start! Campus is still under the rebuilding phase, but we are moving along quickly. Construction continues on our 15th dorm, and the sod is beginning to take root and turn green. They have almost finished laying the sod, and we also have a monument going up for the old dorms. Campus looks great, but continue to pray for the construction process. Both the last dorm and the commons building are set to be up and ready by the beginning of next Fall. Pray that construction moves along quickly as it has for the past 7 months.

God is mighty and powerful. He can do all things. Go to Him with your requests, and always depend on His strength in your life.

Matt