Outdoor Service Continues
There will be two canopy tents, each located on the east and west side of the parking lot close to the building. Chairs will be set up so that people can practice social distancing.
As always you can stay in your vehicle if you so desire.
Good Friday Morning to you!
I hope and pray you are finding strength and encouragement from the Lord during this time of pandemic and political unrest. This morning I was reminded of the one thing that doesn’t change… the Word of God. Its truths are timeless and practical. Recently, I have begun going through the book of I Corinthians. In chapter 1 verse 8 Paul says, 8 “He (God) will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (NIV). As we continue to live in uncertain times regarding our future, it’s comforting to know that God will never let us go. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Thoughts on 9/11
Friday September 11, 2020 was the 19th anniversary of 9/11. On that day in 2001, nineteen men hijacked four United States airplanes and flew them towards east coast destinations. Tragically those planes hit an area near Shanksville Pennsylvania, the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and the World Trade Center in New York City. Sadly, the death toll from this horrific act was 2,977 people.
Being that this was a large scale national tragedy, there are some lasting effects that we still feel today. After the attacks, President George Bush sent troops to Afghanistan because that’s where the chief mastermind of the attacks, Osama Bin Laden was hiding. At one point there were 12,000 soldiers on site. Currently there are approximately 8,600. Since 9/11 airport security has been increased. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now exists to provide more screening of passengers and luggage. The outcome of these increased measures means our flights are safer. Another government organization created after 9/11 is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This organization addresses national security, anti-terrorist issues and disaster prevention. Since 9/11 Increased security measures have come into place outside of airports. Businesses and schools have systems, barriers, security staff, locks and keypads in place to make sure that no perpetrator will get in. One of the worst outcomes since 9/11 has been the increased discrimination which Muslims have experienced. According to one poll conducted 75% of Muslims have found it harder to be a Muslim over the last 10 years. Hopefully our actions and attitude towards them is changing for the better.
After 9/11 hit I was uncertain and somewhat fearful about the future; “Would there be more terrorist attacks upon our nation?” “Will my family be safe on an airplane, in a shopping mall or at a grocery store?” “Are people of another religion truly my enemy?” Since then I have come to learn that all of my fears were unnecessary. Now please understand I’m not saying that violence will never occur in our land. But what I now believe even more so is that whatever happens, God is in control and my life is in His hands. In Deuteronomy 31:8, Moses gives these words of encouragement to Joshua before he conquered the Promised Land, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” With the Coronavirus pandemic affecting our world these past few months, I’ve come to realize things will never be as they once were. We may have to wear face masks for a long time. But that’s okay. Just as God has seen me through the horror and tragedy of 9/11, He will see me through this global crisis. And He can see you through as well! Look to Him and find His presence, His power and His peace.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom