Christian University’s 20-Foot Wooden Cross Memorial Survives Massive Wildfire, a Symbol of Hope

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The Pepperdine Christian university in Malibu, California is thanking God for hope after a 20-foot wooden cross set up by the school memorial survived the recent devastating wildfire that destroyed thousands of acres of land surrounding it. The Franklin Fire began on December 9 in Los Angeles county.

A school that seeks to “love justice and to treat every person with respect and compassion,” Pepperdine University installed the large cross on a hill above the school in honor of Alaina Housley, a first-year Seaver College student who was killed with 11 others during a mass shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill in 2018.

While Pepperdine staff and students had to face down the dangers of the Franklin fire, not only did the cross survive unscathed but the school was spared.

In a statement praising the school for its response and resilience during the recent crisis, Pepperdine President Jim Gash said: “I have been incredibly proud of—but wholly unsurprised by—the character that has been revealed in our community during this time of turbulence.”

“Pepperdine has stood strong—this time, as in times past—because our foundation is strong. Because we, as a community, possess a character made to withstand times of turbulence. Because we are built on the rock,” Gash said.

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