It was pushing 10:30 AM Central Time when my co-laborer in ministry drove his truck onto the property of Instituto Biblico Christiano in Caracol, Honduras. I will never forget the graven look on his face as he asked me if I had heard about what was happening in the United States. Being in a remote area of the country with sketchy cell phone service (no land lines), he was not surprised at my ignorance.
He handed me a video tape and informed me that, earlier that morning, a pair of passenger jets had flown into the World Trade Center towers in New York, another jet hit the Pentagon, and another crashed on a field in Pennsylvania. His words were like a gut punch, leaving me breathless and sick at the same time.
I sat in disbelief and in tears as I watched a video recording of the morning's news cast. I remember feeling helpless and hurting for my country and could only wonder how my siblings, parents, and entire extended family were dealing with the fear that gripped the nation that day. I was able to call my parents to check on them and get a sense as to how the rest of the family was coping. Beyond that, I could only watch at a distance and pray for the Lord's church, my family, and my home country.
Those of you old enough to remember the attack will no doubt recall this day for the rest of your life. It is a day I will never forget.
On a day like this, it is good to have some reasons for encouragement and hope. Fortunately, we have a number of alumni who have shared good news over the course of the last few weeks that I thought you might like to know.
- On September 1, Phil Eagling (JUTN '99) shared a photo from his time at Johnson. Pictured are Phil, Tyson Chastain (JUTN '00) and Terry Pepple (JUTN '00) at Cable Mill in Cades Cove, Tennessee. We were three married students spending an enjoyable day together during a school break. I'm so thankful Johnson works so well for married students and that I was able to share fellowship and community with men such as these.
- Terry Pepple (JUTN '00) will be returning to the Knoxville campus in February to lead worship for Homecoming. Brent Weaver (Associate Professor of Music at JUTN) said, "Terry Pepple is one of the finest students to come through our program." I couldn't agree more and am delighted to have his leadership at Homecoming 2020, February 23-25.
- Emma (Fisher, JUFL '17) and Andrew Cason welcomed their first child Lily Layne Ann into the world on September 20, 2019.
- Nhu (JUTN '06) and Elizabeth (Steinberg, JUTN '06, '07) welcomed their newest family member, Vella Aviv, on September 1, 2020. Congratulations Nhu and Liz!
- Also on September 1, 2020, Daniel Watson (JUTN '01) was sworn in as a member of the Knox County Board of Education for District 3. Daniel ran for this position because of his desire "to ensure there is a culture in our public education system where we are focused on providing an environment of excellence for every child." Daniel takes on this role while continuing to serve as the Executive Director of The Restoration House of East Tennessee; a ministry he co-founded with his wife, Mandy (Byrd, JUTN '01, '03) Watson.
- On August 30, Chad Grondin (JUTN '04) shared the news that West Waynesboro Church of Christ was voted the #1 Most Respected Place of Worship in the 2020 Valley Favorites edition of The News Virginan. Chad and Stephanie (Timmons, JUTN '04) have been at West Waynesboro Church of Christ since 2013.
- Finally, Abigail (Martin, JUTN '09) Moyers shared the news that her father, Steve Martin (JUTN '74) has retired after 46 years in the ministry. Abigail said, "He has served the Lord faithfully through the high and lows of ministry and leaves a legacy of servant hood that will continue through the people that he has shared with over the years. Thank you for your service to the kingdom! We love you!" Steve and Phyllis plan to spend more time with the grandkids in retirement. Abigail and Greg Moyers (JUTN '12) are serving with Tuttle Christian Church in Tuttle, Oklahoma.
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