Eleven Years After 9/11 – a testimony of the one year anniversary
Last year, on the tenth year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I shared with you the testimony of the Lord led me to volunteer at the Family Assistance Center in New York City. Today I will briefly share my side of what happened the following year at the first anniversary at New York City’s memorial.
Around July of 2002, I felt a strong urging that I was to go back to NYC to help the families of the 9/11 victims. In a somewhat vague vision I saw myself doing something I truly had no idea how to get accomplished. I saw a table lined with reading materials and a red banner over it that read, “Prayer”. I saw myself with an apron that identified me as a worker. I had no idea how I would get a table, reading materials and a sign to NYC - let alone afford it! I didn’t even know if their city ordinances allowed that sort of thing. I told a friend about my vision and about a month later she happened on a request from YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in NYC asking for volunteers to come pray for the families of the victims. My son Ryan wanted to come with me, so the two of us traveled to NYC.
My son and I were the only ones there who had no idea who or what YWAM was or what they did, which was a shock to everyone in the room. We got a crash course on the dos and don’ts of YWAM ministry from the founder, Loran Cunningham! We were then sent out the door with a portable table, reading material to give away, aprons and a banner to display that read, “Prayer Station” – and the banner and aprons were red! I was stunned by the whole thing! But it got even better.
Ground Zero in lower Manhattan was where the memorial took place and it was restricted to families and authorized personnel only. The YWAM teams were all randomly assigned to locations around the closed-off area. Ryan and I were assigned to work with a lovely couple who were leaders that had flown in from Australia to help out. The four of us ended being stationed exactly where the families exited the platform of the memorial after their loved one’s name had been called! We were very careful to respect their space as it was a very intense time of grieving for them. We gently let them know we were praying for them and many stopped for prayer. It was such a blessing to be there for them at that moment.
The next day, September 12, 2002, the “9/11 Memorial” at Ground Zero was to open to the public. It was a very busy day in the City. When we arrived at the location where we had been the day before, it was so windy they decided to move us. Our new location, and I am not joking, was the Ground Zero Plaza! We set up our table and prayed for people all day. There were visitors from around the USA that often turned down the prayer when asked, but when I explained this tragedy hurt all of America, most quickly agreed to receive prayer. As we prayed, many would begin to weep from the depth of pain and sense of helplessness caused by this horrific event. It was a great opportunity and I was honored to be a carrier of the Father’s love in that situation.
I share this so you can see how God can work – truly in mysterious ways. When He shows you something He wants you to do, even though it often doesn’t make sense, He has a way of causing that thing to come to pass as you seek Him in it. As King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. NASV
God bless and keep you, may His face shine upon you,
Judy
Ministry Note: If this ministry has been a blessing to you, please prayerfully consider partnering with us. You may contribute online by credit card at www.thefathersloveim.org or send a check or money order to:
The Father’s Love Int’l Ministries
P. O. Box 1573
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.
May you be blessed in the Father’s love!
