#PrayforDrNelson

University Unites

Prayer in schools has been an issue as long as I can remember. It is uncommon to see large prayer groups while walking through a college campus, but today at The University of North Alabama, a large group of students stood in the middle of campus to pray for a beloved professor.

Dr. Larry Nelson is known by every person on UNA's campus and he is loved by all. He is a history professor and a mentor. He teaches religious classes and holds Bible studies for all types of students. He  welcomes students into his home with he and his wife.

UNA Family Comes Together 
Dr. Nelson was in a car accident on Monday April 29 and returned to class shortly after. After complaining about a headache, his wife and daughter encouraged him to go to Hellen Keller Hospital where doctors found a tumor on his brain and rushed him to Vanderbilt Hospital in Tennessee. http://mc.vanderbilt.edu

At 1 am Monday night, over 50 students gathered at the amphitheater to pray for Dr. Nelson and praise God. The same thing happened on Tuesday at noon. Students walking by joined in to pray for a man that some of them know as a friend and some had only heard of.

Tweet, Pray, Share
Social media sites were full of prayers for Dr. Larry Nelson and his family and updates were sent out every few hours to be reposted by students and faculty. It was amazing to see what an impact one man has made and the influence he has had on the faith of the students. He openly expresses his love for Jesus Christ and he and his wife use the campus as a mission field.
twitter.com/larryverlie

Revival

The tragedy that this man is going through is causing a revival on campus. I think that proves that God uses his strongest soldiers to further His kingdom. He has touched the lives of thousands of students over his years as a UNA professor. He has come to be one of my dearest friends, my mentor, my adopted grandfather, and a role model. I honestly cannot imagine UNA without him and Miss Verlie, but if God wants him home, then I know he has done far beyond enough for UNA. He has furthered the kingdom of God and lived life as a true Christian and follower of Christ. I have no doubt that he will see the streets of gold if God calls him home. 

For my selfish reasons, I hope that he does not leave us yet. I can only hope for many more "edifying gatherings" at his home with he and Verlie. I continue to pray for his healing, but also for the will of God to be done. Ultimately, God will be glorified and our hearts will have peace. Thank you God for sending Dr. Nelson to UNA to fire this campus up for you! Life is all about adventures and Dr. Nelson's journey has been a long, fun ride. I am glad our journeys crossed paths here on earth. So glad.