The Elon community paused Monday, Jan. 10 with a prayer service and candlelight vigil to remember victims of the recent Asian tsunami. Details...
Students and staff gathered in McKinnon Hall in Moseley Center for music and prayer in honor of those affected by the Dec. 26 disaster.
“We come together tonight because the world is weeping and the world is praying,” said Assistant Chaplain Kate Colussy-Estes, who led the service. “Moments of vulnerability give us the opportunity to reconnect with what really matters. Ultimately, that means reconnecting to God.”
Following the prayer service, a candlelight vigil was held on Young Commons. Father John Ruffo, Elon’s Catholic campus minister, led the group in a prayer of remembrance and invited others to share their words of prayer and hope.
Throughout the week, funds are being collected on campus to assist with tsunami relief efforts. Colussy-Estes said all Elon funds will benefit two organizations, Heifer International and Habitat for Humanity. A sustainable development organization, Heifer International will focus its efforts on the long-range rebuilding efforts that will be required in the countries affected by the disaster, said Rex Enoch, a Heifer representative.
Habitat for Humanity is helping rebuild homes, a task that can cost as little as $150 per home, said Kathy Manning, director of service learning. “We can help house a lot of people right now,” Manning said.
For more information on how you can donate, as well as other tsunami-related events, click here.