JACKSON, Tenn. (BP) — C.S. Lewis in “The Problem of Pain” says that God often uses the experiences of suffering as a megaphone to awaken us. Suffering and pain, Lewis said, are often the essential means by which God brings about dependence, fortitude, patience, and forgiveness in His children, while also arousing acts of mercy and compassion.

As I have reflected on the events of Feb. 5 on the Union University campus and the challenging days since that time, I have been helped greatly by the thoughts of Lewis in this regard.

Certainly we have seen thousands of acts of mercy and compassion from people who have responded to the massive needs associated with Union University. These acts of mercy and compassion have come from people near to the university, from people on the political left and the ideological right, from people on both sides of theological and denominational divides, and amazingly from people far away who hardly know anything about Union University.

Somehow the disastrous effect of the Feb. 5 tornado has touched the hearts of these many, many people to help us at this time. Nearly 4,000 volunteers have given their time and service. Nearly 2,000 people have given financial gifts to help meet the incredible needs across our campus. Even more have prayed and offered their encouragement, kindness, and support.

Truly the painful aftermath of the storm has, as Lewis so insightfully observed, aroused multiple acts of mercy and compassion across the Baptist family and beyond and we want to again and again express our deep and heartfelt gratitude. We today are a thankful people.

We particularly are grateful to congregations and entities across the Southern Baptist Convention who have responded so generously to our challenges. President Frank Page has asked every SBC congregation and entity to take a special offering to support disaster relief efforts at Union. (See story on page 9).

Now we pray that God will work in our lives to bring about the other virtues described by Lewis. We trust that in the uncertain days ahead that patience would be manifested among us in all of our relationships. We pray for fortitude and courage to face the challenges that now are ours. Moving forward will not be easy, but with God’s help we will take the next step toward a better and stronger Union University.

Most of all we pray for an urgent sense of our own complete and total dependence on God for all aspects of life. No doubt the haunting and perplexing questions that remain in our hearts and minds will linger. I believe that we all can learn to trust the providence of God anew, even when we have unanswered questions.

Moreover, we pray for God to bring renewal out of the rubble across the campus as we trust afresh in God’s amazing, mysterious, and gracious providence.

David S. Dockery is president of Union University in Jackson, Tenn.