Figure 1 An aerial view shows the path of the F-4 tornado that hit Union University’s campus on Feb. 5, as well as the breadth of the destruction.

I’m a Union University evangelist. I have been for a few years now. I love my alma mater. I loved it while I was there and missed it terribly when I left. I have even voluntarily attended recruitment events after graduation. But I have never been more proud of the “ole UU” than in the last week.

Around 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 5, an F-4 tornado cut a path through the middle of Union University, damaging 17 of the 18 buildings on campus (Figure 1).

Eighty percent of the dorm rooms were damaged, many of them completely destroyed. Most students had sought shelter in the bathrooms of their dorms and the hallways of commons areas. In a moment, it was over, but the following hours were filled with prayers, desperate cries, heroism, and service.

Tears well up in my eyes as I try to imagine the scene. My beloved university—where I spent warm spring days studying with my windows open, talked with my future husband at the fountain, and left my baby sister in the safe and loving arms of the campus community—was in chaos.

When the Jackson-Madison County EMA director pulled onto the campus, he expected to find 50–100 people dead. He found none.

The Union community responded with immediate compassion: students digging students out of the rubble; faculty and staff taking home cars full of students; churches donating clothes, food, and money. By the weekend, the university had to turn away volunteers.

I don’t have room to write all of the God stories now, but I hope I can soon. It’s my prayer that I never forget the hand of God after seeing Him so clearly through this tragedy. He protected those students that night, and He is providing for them now.

Union is a special place. I’ve never been a part of a stronger community, not even in my small hometown or local church. I don’t want to sound cliché or self-promoting—I really don’t—but at the center of this community is Christ. He makes the faculty, the staff, the students, and the university who they are.

Through this horrific event, the Union community has grown. Those who were casual observers have become allies. Those who had drifted from their ties are throwing themselves into the relief effort. Those who had never before heard of this little school are hearing the name of Christ proclaimed and glorified.

I’m asking now that you pray for the university and for all of those who have been affected. Please pray that the name of Jesus Christ continue to be lifted up. He is making Himself known in the midst of this disaster.

Please check back with us for the stories of those miracles.