A Message from Reverend Efrain Avila, Jr., EdD, LCPC
Pastor of Campus Ministries and Director of the NIU Wesley Foundation

February 16, 2008

Once again, thank you for all the messages that continue pouring in stating support and prayers for us. While we're all caught up in "what's next?” please remember the injured in your prayers. Some are still critical. I am so very thankful for each and every one of you who has e-mailed, called or even dropped by.

As of yesterday afternoon (Friday), we still do not know when NIU will re-open. Some think Tuesday, others Thursday (both dates coming as “possible” from President John Peters’ office).

We are scaling back counseling over the weekend as very few students. Campus ministers are “on-call” throughout the weekend.

When NIU re-opens we are planning to follow the “Virginia Tech Model” and have a licensed mental health professional and a clergyperson in every classroom, for every class. We will need lots of qualified people to make this work! If you know of a licensed mental health professional willing to help, have them call the NIU Counseling Center (815.753.1206) and coordinate with them. If you know of a minister who is willing to help, please have them call me at 815.756.6301, leave contact information, and we will pass on your information to the NIU Counseling Center, who is officially designated to direct these recovery efforts.

NIU Wesley will be holding a prayer vigil on Tuesday, 19 February at 7:00 p.m. in the Boardman Chapel at First United Methodist Church in DeKalb.  [website, directions]  Students and the community are welcome.

I have been in contact with one of my student leaders, and she let me know that she and others within NIU Wesley have been able to get their minds off this tragedy for the time being.

I just want to add my deepest thanks for all you. Your sentiments and prayers have helped us in dealing with this incomprehensible situation. The thoughts and so many prayers that have flooded in from world over are heartfelt and have an impact.

We will keep you informed and post updates as they become available.

By the way, several of you have reminded my wife and me to take care of ourselves. We are. We are taking Saturday afternoon to go to Madison, Wisconsin for a time away. Thank you again.

Caminemos con Jesus,

Pastor Efrain

Worship Opportunities

Traditional Worship Service
Sanctuary
Sundays at 9:00 a.m.

CrossRoads
Education Wing
Sundays at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Sunday School that strengthens our children
in their faith journey with Jesus Christ.

SHINE!
Fellowship Hall
Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
The Contemporary Worship Community
of First United Methodist Church

Boardman Chapel
Holy Communion
Thursdays at 8:45 a.m.

Celebrate!
Sanctuary
Sundays at 6:00 p.m.
The Student Contemporary Worship Service
of the NIU Wesley Foundation

For more information
about Methodist missions,
history or beliefs, visit the
United Methodist Church website.