Lubbock Christian University joined the Global #GivingTuesday Movement yesterday by doing something different. Instead of asking for a donation, LCU asked alumni, supporters, and friends to give the gift of pray for their students.
By being a part of #GivingTuesday, LCU was able to harness, in a different way, the momentum of the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.
According to GivingTuesday.org, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick-off the holiday giving season and inspire people to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.
“In this season of thanksgiving, it seemed appropriate for LCU to take advantage of Giving Tuesday—and the attention it focuses on the importance of giving—by expressing our gratitude for all those who support LCU and inviting them to join us in offering a prayer for LCU and all of our students. What a wonderful gift for a place that believes in the power of prayer,” said President Tim Perrin.
For Giving Tuesday, hundreds of friends and family of the Lubbock Christian University community committed to praying for the students. These individuals were also able to submit their prayers, which will be read over the students in an upcoming chapel.
Emily Sims, senior biology major, said, “On behalf of the student body, we cannot stress enough how valued and appreciated the prayers from the families and individuals who prayed for us on Giving Tuesday are, especially during this time of year. I am amazed at the support and encouragement that each student receives at LCU throughout their college career.”
Raymond Richardson, vice president of university advancement added, “Prayers were lifted up across the world for our students yesterday, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.”
(News release from LCU)