It's a New Day...

Well, 2008 did not start out quite like we had hoped. February 5, Union was hit by a devastating tornado. It hit almost every building on campus, and destroyed to main dormitories. We were very blessed to not have any damage to our house or our cars. God was definitely looking out for us. It is still amazing to look back and see how great our God is. No one was seriously injured, and hundreds of students walked away piles of rubble. God stood by and kept everyone safe. And we continued to praise him through our storm. So many people were helpful and super hospitable, so we thank you all for everything. We were able to stay in Memphis for a few days with Tobey's family, and were finally able to get back into our house after a few days.
The campus is still not the same, and will never be. It is crazy to look out our back door and see flat ground. But they are busy rebuilding and Union hopes to have the new dorms ready to go by next fall. Please continue to pray for Union during this time.
February 21st started off like a normal Thursday. Tobey had nursing classes and Lem went to work and then to class. But around 12:45, Tobey got a devastating phone call. It was from her sister, Sarah, and all she could hear was terror...
Jonathan Stonecipher, went home to be with the Lord that Thursday. He had been suffering from depression for a while, and it finally became too much for him to handle. But, he is now resting in the place of the most High! He worries no more, and is continually in the presence of God.
Sarah and Andrew (their 6 month old sweet baby!!) are handling this tragic news amazingly! Sarah has relied fully on God, and it has been amazing to see her strength. She is a terrific sister, great mom, and was a wonderful wife. She loved her husband in a way that I admired so much. She fought for him during his last days, while he struggled with a disease we will never understand. She is such an inspiration to me and I can only hope I'm half the wife to Lem as she was to Jon.
Please continue to pray for Sarah and Andrew, as we know the next few days, weeks, and months will be very hard. Pray that God will continue to be Sarah's ROCK and that she will find the peace that passes all understanding! The visitation and funeral were truly amazing works of God. There were 600+ people at the visitation. That is just such a testimony of how many lives Jon and Sarah touched! There have already been numerous people who have come to know the Lord or rededicate their lives because of Jon's funeral. And this is exactly what he would have wanted. His lived was sold out for God. His goal everyday was to further the Kingdom of Heaven.
Tobey's parents were able to get a flight out of Kenya, and have been by Sarah's side every since arriving. It has been very nice having them here. And they are loving spending loads of time with Andrew, and spoiling him every minute!