This letter is to communicate the current situation of our university. We plan to continue regular updates to keep you informed of this journey. If you haven’t already heard, on September 5, 2020 we suffered a building collapse of Heritage Hall. Most know this is our campus epicenter of classrooms, cafeteria, counseling center, academic offices and technology hub. The incident occurred while renovations to the roof were taking place. While we were immediately devastated by the situation, we praise God continually that it happened on a Saturday instead of a weekday. No one was injured, everyone is thankful to that end. This is what we know right now:
- Classes have been relocated to COA for this semester so students are transporting everyday. We are grateful but this is not ideal, we will get students back on campus classrooms as soon as possible.
- We will rebuild! We are waiting for the insurance report to determine if we are rebuilding a section of the building or the whole building. We hope to have this info and decision by the end of September.
- Our biggest priorities are permanent classrooms and cafeteria.
- We are not on the brink of destruction. We are strong as an organization and have seen the power of our community coming around us. We will use this unexpected situation to continue the work that glorifies God.
Isn’t it just like God to keep us guessing? We aren’t sure what the next steps are quite yet.. But, this season has grown our faith in ways unimaginable! It is so easy to dismiss the small gifts in normal life but this year has brought to focus the gratitude we have to meet on campus with our students, to share a meal and feel safe. The building collapse has reminded us that we have a community that steps in to help with meals and classrooms, pay for transportation of students and offer unending prayers on our behalf. God is still faithful to our school. He sends new students excited to learn God’s will in their life and sends out new graduates ready to lead. Our work doesn’t stop because of a building. Joab provided us a keen life lesson when he uttered the words “May the Lord your God multiply the troops a hundred times over.” Isn’t that what faith is about? We believe that God will multiply what we bring to Him many times over and prove His faithfulness. We covet your prayers and support as we continue this journey. Sincerely, President John Maurice