Dear Point Loma Nazarene University alumni,
As I sat in Brown Chapel this afternoon, praying with students, faculty, and staff, I thought also of all of you, our alumni. No matter where you live, I’m sure you are aware of the devastating wildfires here in Southern California. I know some of you have been directly affected. You may have been evacuated, lost homes, fought the fires, or aided in relief efforts. Wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, I pray that you and your family are safe.
Point Loma Nazarene University has not been under direct threat from the fires, but many faculty, staff, and students have suffered through evacuations and losses. Our hearts go out to them and to all in the community who have lost their homes and businesses. The destruction is heartbreaking. It feels overwhelming. But we know that God’s mercy is great, and we trust in His faithfulness in this difficult time.
A blessing in this time of crisis has been watching both the PLNU community and the greater San Diego community come together. With classes canceled this week, our students have been gathering supplies to donate to evacuees and fire victims. They have been serving at evacuation centers at Qualcomm Stadium, The Rock Church, and other locations. They have volunteered with Catholic Charities, churches, and other organizations. They responded to a call to help entertain children at Qualcomm in droves. They have given blood. They’ve prayed. At least one student has worked tirelessly as a volunteer firefighter.
Faculty and staff who were not evacuated have housed those who have been in addition to volunteering, donating, and comforting their neighbors. Just one example is the effort of Senior Director of Planned Giving Steve Seelig. Steve is also a Navy reserve chaplain, and he is helping to organize a large military relief effort.
I know many of you alumni are helping, as well. Among you are countless volunteers and firefighters, including a fire captain leading the air attack on the Harris fire and a fire battalion chief involved with the Santiago fire in Orange County. You are serving each other and lifting one another up in prayer.
In the larger community, I have been deeply encouraged by the commitment of local government, fire officials, police officers, firefighters, and media workers. It has been touching to see the in-pouring of support and assistance from firefighters from areas throughout the Western United States.
Through the days and weeks ahead, PLNU will continue to pray for those fighting the fires, for those who have lost homes, possessions, and even loved ones, and for the entire community. We will continue to serve and give in as many ways as we can. If you have been affected by the fires, please feel welcome to contact the alumni office at alumni@pointloma.edu or (800) 478-5662 for help, support, or to share with us the work you are doing for others. You, too, are in our prayers.
Bob Brower, Ph.D.
President
Alumni Responses
Response 1:
Thank you for your message of support to fire victims. I am a 1982 alum of PLC and now live with my family in Rancho Bernardo. We were evacuated early Monday morning -- a harrowing experience, to be sure. However, I was keenly aware that God was with us and that no matter what happened everything would be OK. This is the "peace that passes understanding!" And, ultimately, this is the comfort we have as Christians -- knowing that whatever befalls us, whether material destruction, financial ruin, even physical death -- if we love God and know Christ, in the end everything will be OK.
We returned home yesterday and though our house was dusty and dirty, it was still standing. However, we have many friends and neighbors only a few blocks from us who have lost their homes. Please continue to pray for these families and for the community as a whole as we attempt again -- only four years after the Cedar fire -- to rebuild and heal. Even those of us whose homes survived will need prayers for strength and grace as we support those families in our community who lost their homes.
Thank you, again, for being a beacon of hope and light in San Diego. I am proud to tell people that PLNU is my alma mater!
Carrie Jaquess-Gutman
Response 2:
Thank you for your tireless efforts. I have moved from San Diego to Washington State, yet I have family and friends throughout the fire stricken region. I wanted to extend my thanks for your efforts-because I know that PLNU has touched so many friends and family that are back home who need some love. PLNU has and continues to inspire me to let Gods love shine even in the mist of times that may seem unbearable. I feel so blessed to be able to associate myself with PLNU and have a place that feels like home!
God Bless you all!
Beth Ehring, Class of 1999 Nursing
Response 3:
Thanks for the nice email letter. What a great opportunity for Point Loma and all associated with the University to truely show LOVE to others as Jesus would.
Thank you,
Dr. David Swearingen OD- Class of 1993
Response 4:
Just want to say thank you to all the students and faculty for reaching out and serving, it reminds me of all the reasons why I'm so blessed to be a PLNU grad :)
Brigitte Thomas (Berry)