By Suzanne Rhodes
Union University news office
Katherine Anne Thierfelder, sophomore at Union University, helps remove ruined flooring in disaster relief efforts. — Photo by Kristi Woody
JACKSON — Since the deadly floods that hit Waverly in late August, Union University has sent multiple groups of volunteers to assist Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief with flood relief efforts.
One of these students is Kathryn Anne Thierfelder, a sophomore communications and creative writing double major. As she helped remove the ruined flooring from a local resident’s house, Thierfelder observed there is much hurt and need right now. She felt called to help Waverly flood victims because as a native of nearby Jackson, it was important for her to help “those in my own backyard.”
More than 40 volunteers from Union have helped in Waverly’s disaster relief efforts, and Johnny Grimes, a volunteer with Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief, said he is thankful for the students’ hard work in helping respond to more than 215 destroyed homes and properties. Grimes said their help and willingness to serve has allowed local volunteers to respond to the need as quickly as possible.
“I know (this work) is what the Lord would want us to do,” Grimes said. “I feel for these [Waverly residents]; I really do feel for them.”
Todd Brady, vice president for university ministries, said it is important to be good neighbors to those just 80 miles down the road. Brady believes serving those in need is just one way Union community members can strive to love the Lord. B&R
