UCGIA

United Church of God, an International Association
P.O. Box 541069, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1069
Phone: (513) 576-9796 Fax: (513) 576-9795

Roy Holladay           
Chairman

Leslie L. McCullough
President

September 12, 2001

Our Dear Brethren,

We are all horrified and shocked at the recent terrorist attacks against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon where thousands of innocent people have died. Who will be able to forget the distressing pictures of death and destruction raining down on the streets of New York City as thousands fled in terror from the destruction? Mayor Rudolph Giuliani stated that he feared the casualties may be ãmore than any of us can bear.ä In one dreadful moment many families lost husbands, wives, sons or daughters. How can one calculate the emotional and physiological scars that will haunt families for years to come? This terrifying event has shaken the peace and tranquility of much of the world and, perhaps, most of Western society will never feel quite as safe again.

On the positive side, we are happy to report that all of our members are accounted for. The following is a report from Kevin Epps, the pastor in the New York area, and a member from Brooklyn that was conveyed to the home office.

First of all, here is the message from a young lady who works on the 37th floor of one of the Trade towers. She takes care of the local congregation bulletin, and their local church Web site. Her name is Adrienne Johnson:

ãHello brethren,

ãFor all those who may have inquired about my welfare during the World Trade Center bombing, God has once again pulled me to safety and saved me from disaster. I made it out of the building and safely to another [member] who worked not too far away from me. He and I made it safely back into Brooklyn where we both live. I am still shaken and traumatized by this latest attack as I was in the one that happened in 1993. I need your prayers during this time for a recovery from this incident. I did a lot of crying today and probably still more before the week is out. Please remember me in your respective church areas.

--Adrienne Johnson, United Church GodöNew York City Congregationä

Kevin Epps mentioned that many of the brethren, not to mention the community at large, will be in need of grief counseling. He will hold services in New York City this coming Sabbath, probably in a round-table discussion format. Two others work near the World Trade Center building. One is the member who met Adrienne. The other made it out of the area safely. Kevin's step daughter, Kristi, who works in Manhattan, saw the second plane hit the building and people on fire jumping from the building. All United Church of God members are accounted for. While we are thankful that our Church members are safe, we grieve for all who lost their lives in this act. If we have further updates, we'll let you know.

Brethren, please remember in your prayers all of those involved in this heart-rending situation. Matthew:25:34-45 shows that when there are human needs, we as the loving servants of God should help in whatever way possible. The parable of the Good Samaritan reaffirms this principle. The Red Cross is a collection center for those who would like to contribute money to assist the caregivers and the needy. The apostle Paul expounded a principle in Galatians:6:10, ãTherefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.ä Romans:12:15 states that we should ãrejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.ä 

Remember to pray for the president and leadership of the United States as they respond to this difficult situation. Paul exhorts us in 1Timothy 2: 1-2 ãthat supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority.ä The Congress and president have put aside differences and have banded together to deal with this national trial. This trial brings home the reality of the times we live in and the urgent need to be totally united to finish the work God has given us. We preach a message of hope that this world desperately needs (Romans:8:19-20; Matthew:24:22).

The Feast of Tabernacles is less than three weeks away. This recent horrific terrorist attack is a sober reminder of future trauma that all nations will go through (Revelation:3:10) before Jesus Christ returns to this earth to bring lasting peace. The Feast of Tabernacles pictures the time in the future when peace will be the order of the day: ãThey shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountainä (Isaiah:11:9), and ãThey shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymoreä (Isaiah:2:4). Jesus Christ will return to this earth to ãheal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressedä (Luke:4:18). One of our main jobs as kings and priests will be to comfort and encourage the masses of people who come out of the great tribulation. Today we are learning how to have empathy, love and concern for humanity. Our hearts reach out to those who are suffering in New York and Washington, DC. We wish we could personally comfort them and give them help and hope. We will certainly have that opportunity in the future when many millions will need even more comfort and hope. Brethren, in this increasingly troubled world we should earnestly pray these life-saving words: ãThy kingdom come.ä

Many ministers and members from around the world have written to express prayers and concern for the American people. Space does not allow us to reprint all of their comments, but the following comments from the Australian National Council reflect the concerns that many have expressed.

ãPlease convey to our American brethren the shock, dismay and concern of their Australian brothers and sisters as a result of the evil and cowardly terrorist attacks in New York and Washington a few hours ago. Many prayers are being offered on behalf of all affected, either directly or indirectly.

ãThe Australian people are also shocked at these events, and many flags are at half-mast as a symbol of mourning and respect for the innocent victims and the nation.

ãWho knows where this may lead? We are fortunate that God has revealed to us much of what lies ahead. Perhaps these events will inspire us to strive even harder to fulfill the commission placed upon our collective shoulders.

ãOur thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

ãThe Australian National Council.ä

We look forward to seeing many of you at the coming Feast of Tabernacles.

In Christâs Service,

Roy Holladay
On behalf of the Council of Elders

Les McCullough
President