Posts Tagged ‘Dr. Jeff Arrington’

Some 800 Abilene Christian University students – supported by faculty, staff and friends in the community – attended a special version last night of Nine O’Clock, the Sunday night praise and prayer service held in the auditorium of University Church of Christ. It was the first time for some to be together since news Friday afternoon of a bus accident that sent 16 members of the ACU family to four hospitals, some of whom remain in critical condition.

One, 19-year-old sophomore Anabel Reid of Petersburg, Texas, died of her injuries.

“In great respect, we ask big questions of You,” prayed Brent Isbell, preaching minister of the University congregation. “More than answers, we need You: Your Spirit, Your presence … show us the way forward.”

Dr. Jeff Arrington, associate vice president for student life, updated students on the conditions of those injured, and echoed Isbell’s prayer. “It’s not somebody else’s news, God. It’s ours and it’s more than we can stand,” he prayed.

Dr. Mark Hamilton, who spoke at Friday night’s candlelight prayer service in Beauchamp Amphitheater, also prayed. Hamilton is professor of Old Testament and associate dean of the Graduate School of Theology.

The audience linked arms and sang Nine O’Clock’s traditional closing song, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.”

Another devotional service will take place Monday during ACU’s daily Chapel at 11 a.m. in Moody Coliseum, and will be livestreamed for friends and family around the world.

Many thanks to Gary Rhodes for his images of this gathering.