A Mardi Gras Miracle...

As most of you know by now, last night, at around 5:00pm, an F4 tornado went through Hattiesburg and destroyed hundreds of homes and large parts of the Southern Mississippi campus. I am sadden and embarrassed that I have put off blogging during 2013 so far and that this has to be my first blog of the new year, but it is the reality of what is happening in our town and in our student's lives right now. We are so touched and incredibly thankful for how many of you immediately contacted us about our safety, the safety of our students, and ways that you could help. And that is where the Mardi Gras Miracle comes in.

Thanks to McKenzie for the photo!

Every year, Southern Miss has a Mardi Gras holiday and students are released for a four day weekend to celebrate Fat Tuesday (or just have a nice visit home!) Through no coincidence at all, most USM students had left Hattiesburg earlier in the weekend for their break. Because of this, when the tornado ripped through campus, we are relieved to say that none of our students were seriously injured and most did not even have to experience the tornado at all. (Mitch and myself, as well as several other members of our staff team were also away for the weekend.) As of right now, there has not been a single fatality. And that my friends, is not only a blessing but a miracle. God has incredible things in store for the University of Southern Mississippi and the city of Hattiesburg and He did not want a single person to miss out on that.

Photo taken by Pat Lowery

Although there were no fatalities, the damage is extremely extensive. People have lost everything. Churches have lost everything. Businesses have lost everything. The biggest question we have been asked (and we have asked ourselves) is what do we do? How can we help? Please help us by praying for the city of Hattiesburg & the University of Southern Mississippi. Please help us by praising our amazing God who truly had his hand on our family, our staff team, our students, and our community. Please help us by praying that Hattiesburg & USM will rebuild this campus and this city on the foundation of the Lord who is gracious & willing to save. The Lord's purpose will prevail in this and in all things, and He will be glorified!

Photo taken by Pat Lowery

As we hear more and see more, we will be sure to update on the status of the University and of the needs of the community.

Praise the Lord for His protection. Praise the Lord.