The brief excerpts below are just a few samples from the hundreds of sympathy notes, prayers, scripture passages, and words of encouragement that came pouring in to Greenville College in the days and weeks following the fire. Cash donations accompanied many of the cards and letters.
Part of the 18-foot-long banner sent from Gordon College in Massachusetts.
- Please know that the prayers of Eastern's people are with you and your colleagues at Greenville. We trust so profoundly in the "peace that passes understanding" in moments like these.
David R. Black, President
And the Eastern College Community
St. Davids, PA - We'd like to share these funds with you ($516), in hopes they will provide you with at least a bit of what was lost. We're praying for you and ask God's blessings for a joyful holiday season.
Students and Staff
Judson College
Elgin, IL - Nancy and I want to let you know that we are praying for a closing to this tragedy. It was good to hear that some good has come out of the events. We've enclosed a small gift to help the rebuilding cause.
David and Nancy Osinski
Birmingham, AL - Though words and prayers cannot return Joel, we know that the efforts of Greenville College have played a significant role in preparing him for this day. Each member of our staff and their families offer you our support as neighbors and colleagues in this time of great need.
Richard P. Seiter, Warden
Federal Correctional Institution
Greenville, IL - The thoughts and prayers of your friends at McKendree College are with you. I am pleased to forward a check to you for $400 to be added to the Victims Fund. It is a modest amount but we hope it will indicate our sense of loss and contribute some way toward the healing that must take place in your community.
James M. Dennis, President
McKendree College
Lebanon, IL - Having a son at Greenville College, I know the profound loss being felt by everyone within your community. The only solace that can be found is in the fact that God will use this for His ultimate glory.
Barry C. Swanson, Major
Divisional Commander
The Salvation Army
Peoria, IL - I was so sorry to hear of the tragedy at Greenville. The love, support and help you have received in the past weeks proves the Lord is with you always.
Vondrea Fansler
Basye, VA - I am very sorry about the tragedy that struck the Greenville campus. Our church in Puerto Rico has been praying to the almighty God to help you in this difficult time. I am sending $50 for the Kinney fire victims as a cooperation. I hope that God will continue blessing you.
Dinorah Torres
San Juan, PR - Whether they be from a state- or church-affiliated college or university, the lives of our students are precious to all of us. The recent death of Joel Pierce prompts our deepest sympathies and gentlest thoughts to Greenville College, the community of Greenville, and the family of Joel Pierce.
Ted Sanders, President
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL - I pray that God will in some way bring beauty from ashes and blessings from this tragedy.
Dennis A. Davis, President
Northwest College
Kirkland, WA - Be still and know that I am God.
From Gordon College Banner - God never promised that there wouldn't be rough waters but He did promise a strong boat. He is faithful. We are praying.
From Gordon College Banner - I was so struck with sadness when I heard of the fire. My friend told me via E-mail about it, and I just dropped to my knees in prayer. You have a fountain of prayers going up. Keep strong!
From Gordon College Banner - You and the families of all in the Greenville College community are in our prayers! May God shine His perfect peace on you, and use this to bring glory to His name!
From Houghton College Card - I have no idea where your college is, but you're in my thoughts. We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord.
From Houghton College Card - God cares, and so do we.
From Lee University Banner