Ground Zero

Our trip to New York included a visit to Ground Zero. I was surprised to see that even after all these years the construction crew was still working at ground level. I had assumed that it would have been all cleared off with a memorial standing. Instead, it was a very busy construction site.

We were amazed that just across the street stands St. Paul's Chapel. This historic church was founded in 1776. George Washington worshiped there. They still have his pew on display, which was actually a comfortable looking arm chair. It is a miracle that this building and the courtyard cemetery were not damaged during the collapse of the twin towers. As you look at the picture, the construction fence surrounds the site of the World Trade Center and the wrought iron fence is the courtyard of the church.

The courtyard cemetery was a lovely place to enter. It contained tombstones from long ago. They were so aged and eroded by the years that on many, the engraving had vanished. It reminded me of the book of Ephesians in the Bible. Dust in the wind. On this earth we will all one day go to the grave. Hundreds of years from now we will not be remembered except on a genealogy chart. Perhaps some will go down in the history books but not many. Things of eternal consequence are what really matter in life. God and people. I am grateful for the reminder.

As we enter the building we separated as we each looked at the many displays of memorabilia from the fateful day when the towers fell and life in the United States of America was changed forever. We were reminded of the great outpouring of love from all over our nation and even other areas of the world. We were reminded of the people who died. They weren't statistics. They were mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. We were reminded of the strength of the human spirit as people came from all over to help and to show their love and support for the people of New York City.

Before we left to return to our hotel room for a much needed rest, we paused as a group to pray for our nation. We also stopped to look at the cross that was formed when one of the beams fell. Remember the reassurance that cross gave to the people? God was with them and He is with you. No matter what you face.

The Journey - Brooklyn Tabernacle Trip Part 2

Life has been rather busy around here lately. Rick and I celebrated our 35th anniversary on May 31st. We plan a special anniversary trip every 5 years - until this one! It is such a special milestone yet we were deep in the midst of another milestone in our lives - the graduation of our youngest son from high school. Nick graduated on June 6th and we threw a grand party for him on the 12th. It has been a whirlwind of craziness and fun and only two days later we were off to Brooklyn, New York.

The road trip was long. We got an early start but it took us all day and well into the evening to arrive at our hotel. For 14 plus hours 8 of us got to know each other better and had a great time of bonding as we made our way to New York. I was thankful for the men who took turns driving. They all were excellent drivers and all I had to do was chat with the others. It was a fun-fest for sure!

New York is an exciting place. Our hotel in Brooklyn had only been opened for two weeks. Our accommodations were excellent. In the morning we found our way to the subway and took the short trip to the Brooklyn Tabernacle. The front of the building is very unpretentious . There was no flashy sign. A person could easily pass by without knowing it was even there. All that marks the building is a metal plaque perhaps 12 inches square with Brooklyn Tabernacle on it. Enter through the doors, however and it was like entering the great theaters of old. The former "Loew’s Metropolitan Theater" was a very ornate and majestic building which had fallen into a state of disrepair. The Brooklyn Tabernacle did a wonderful job of restoring it. Because it was a church and especially one that was in the midst of church activities we refrained from taking pictures. Guess you will have to go there yourself to see it.

The morning session was supposed to be a leadership seminar but we found out on Friday that it had been changed to an Assembly of God conference to pray for the poor and suffering. The meeting was not presented by the Brooklyn Tabernacle but instead a group that had asked to come called "Convoy of Hope." Although it was not what we originally expected it was a great time of teaching and prayer. We stayed for three of the five hours. The highlight for me was the segment where they prayed for people who needed healing. I was one of many who stood at their seats and I was very pleased that it was Pastor Jim Cymbala who prayed for God's healing touch on those of us standing. It was a very memorable moment. I trust that God worked through that moment. His healing power is amazing.

Some day maybe we can return for the leadership conference but the morning session spoke to us all for the need for compassion as we pray for the poor and suffering. Lord, give us a heart for the poor and suffering. We must never forget, in our comfort, those in need.

My Dream Trip Realized

Ever since reading Pastor Jim Cymbala's book, "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire," my dream has been to visit the Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York and specifically to attend their Tuesday night prayer meeting. . At this church, prayer is first and foremost. God has done wonderful things in response to the intense prayer foundation. Pastor Cymbala continues to inspire and challenge people everywhere to put God first and to continually seek His face - especially when it comes to the church. Prayer is the key to everything. Without God we can do nothing of any significance.

My dream was realized this week. I was able to take a road trip with other intercessors from my church including two of our pastors. God put together the right people for the trip and has filled us with enthusiasm to bring a new level of prayer back to our church. In days to come, I will share some experiences from this trip. The trip back was full of excitement about creating a closer walk with God and going deeper in prayer. God is going to use this trip to change us and to help us to ignite our church in prayer. What a tremendous blessing!! Thank you, Lord!!