Inspire, Winter 2001

“Jay” ’90 O n October 11, 2001 my friend Brad and I left to go to New York City for four days. Ever since September 11, I’ve been heavily burdened for the people of New York, especially the rescue workers. As I had been praying for them, I had come to believe that God was asking me to go and do something. And that something was to go and “give a cup of cold water.” So that’s what we did. The week before we left, I had been trying to obtain 1,500 of Wayne Watson’s newest CD. It has a song on it called “The Ones Left Standing,” which speaks about the pain of being the ones left behind after tragedy, and how, after all is said and done, we’ll look back and realize it was God alone who gave the strength to stand and do the work. Our goal was to walk through New York City and go from firehouse to firehouse and police precinct to police precinct, giving these CDs to those men and women who are “left standing.” I called someone I know at Word Records and asked if I could order 1,500 CDs. Not being a retailer, I explained why I needed them. I received a call from Word the Monday before we left, telling me the price for the entire shipment was going to be $62 for shipping—the rest was free. The CDs arrived the day before we left. My family and friends came to my house where we all worked to affix the following notes to each CD: We want you to have this CD for no other reason than to say “thank you” and that we’re praying for you. We selected it primarily because of Track #8, a song titled “The Ones Left Standing,” a song that may as well have been written for you and your fellow rescue workers. As you listen to it, we hope you’ll be comforted and strengthened by God; and that somehow, in some small way, it will provide a little solace in the weeks and months ahead. May God richly bless you. Following is an edited excerpt from Jay’s journal detailing that trip: October 12, 2001 Yesterday was the first time I saw the skyline without the twin towers. We were on Route 80 when I saw the Empire State Building, then I looked to the right where the towers used to stand. I’ve never lost anyone close, but I’m sure the feeling I had was the same as one felt by someone who was “moving on” after a death in the family, and then months later, finds a handwritten note from the person who died. All the pain and hurt rushes back again. We were quiet for awhile. As we drove into Manhattan, we noticed immediately how subdued the city was. It was the regular New York traffic, but there were no horns and no yelling. We had just heard on the radio that the FBI had released a statement saying they were pretty sure another attack was going to happen within several days. We prayed for safety and for our families and for wisdom to go where God leads. After breakfast we went to Manhattan Bible Church, where we met the executive director for CitiVision, the ministry Tom Mahairas started five years ago. We told the staff why we were there, and they were excited. They asked us for CDs for people they knew at various precincts and firehouses and even prisons. The man who runs the church’s soup kitchen took us to the 34th precinct, where we dropped off an entire case of CDs. There was a cop standing at the entrance who wanted to inspect the box. After he let us through, I stopped and gave him a CD. I said, “We drove from Michigan for 15 hours to bring these CDs to as many firefighters and police officers as we can. I’d like to give this to you as a gift to say ‘thank you,’ and to remind you that we’re praying for you.” His stand- at-attention demeanor softened a little, and he said, “Thanks.” We took the box inside and another officer took the whole case and said, “That’s very kind, thanks so much. I’ll see that the guys get these.” When we left the building, the officer who had inspected the box tipped his hat, said, “Thanks again,” and shook my hand. New York City cops don’t usually do that. As we came out of the subway tunnel onto the street, we were met with a smell I’ve never experienced. Some odors, like rotten garbage, an outhouse, or decaying animal carcasses, are somewhat “excusable” and familiar. But this new smell was sick. Brad asked if this is usually what New York City smells like. “No,” I said. We knew the smell came from the smoldering pile of rubble called Ground Zero. We were just a few blocks from sheol and death. We started walking towards the pile, handing our CDs to every cop and construction worker we saw. They gladly accepted them. After awhile, we arrived at Engine #71. I spoke with three firemen and gave them each a CD. After saying thanks, they asked if it was “religious music.” We told them we were praying for them, and again, they thanked us. We next went to Ladder #6. Two firefighters were standing outside. Again, they were receptive. As they tried to hold back tears, they told us that they lost four men from their station. “It’s been rough,” one of them said. Without us asking, they told us we should go to Engine #4, Ladder #15 because, “They lost 14 guys.” We got there and gave them enough CDs for the entire company. One of them was obviously down. I asked him if I could pray with him. He said “Well, they got counselors downstairs; they think talking to them is going to help.” I said, “It doesn’t, does it?” He mumbled. “No.” I told him I’d pray for him by name. What did I learn on the trip? I learned that our world has no hope. In four days, we saw hopelessness to the Nth degree. And yet our faith was affirmed during the trip, because each time we interacted with someone who seemed hopeless, the love of Jesus through us brought relief, even if it was for a moment. The glorious truth is that I’ve given up my life to serve Him, obey Him, and follow Him, because He’s forgiven me and He loves me. So no matter how chaotic and painful my life is, I know without a doubt that Jesus will make it perfect and bring relief forever. Ali Henriquez ’96 I work in midtown Manhattan, a safe enough distance from the World Trade Center, but not far enough from the backlash. On September 11, I had to walk home because the subways were shut down and buses were re-routed. There were throngs of Inspire 15