September 16, 2025 "Going Back Home."

Yesterday, armed with the prayers of many, I ventured back to home - to campus.  

Upon my arrival, I immediately ran into the president of UVU, and conveyed to her that we were praying.  The weight on her tiny shoulders seemed visible.  She said, “That is what me must do.”

There were no students on campus but the air was thick with apprehension.  Police are stationed at every entrance.  Constructions workers were speedily working to replace the concrete platform at the bottom of the courtyard where it all occured.  I couldn’t hold back the tears.

Fifteen of us went back today with 500 donuts to hand out to the faculty.  As we walked from office to office, their eyes lit up as we entered offering them a smile, a Krispy Kreme donut and a “We’re praying for you.”  We were so grateful for the support that allowed us to do it.

Tomorrow we have over 20 pastors joining us to pass out donuts at four different stations on campus as students make there way back to campus for the first time.  We had t-shirts speed printed with “You are so loved!” on it.

I am sitting here speed typing this before our weekly large group gathering.  This is our first time since the day before the shooting where we are all going to be together again, so pray for us as we embrace our students tonight before their big day tomorrow.

I stood in the courtyard today staring at the gigantic American flag that is draped there above the “spot.” I was leaning on the barricade as Jamison, one of our interns, explained that this is the spot where he was standing when he saw it all.  

A couple overheard us, and I noticed the tears that the girl, Ally was holding back.  She said she wasn’t a believer, and I asked her if it was ok to pray for her.  As we embraced and I prayed, I knew God was doing something invisible and powerful in her.  Pray that she comes tonight, and pray that we are there for those that need us tomorrow.