NEW YORK, Sept. 14 — On September 11th at 9:20 a.m. eastern standard time, chapel services at Canadian Bible Society head office had just ended. Moments later news of the horrific terrorist attack on New York came through on a staff members radio. Everyone stood transfixed in the hallways shocked by the flow of news reports flooding in.
Soon the CBS staff gathered in the Chapel to offer prayers on behalf of those caught in the developing tragedy and for their fellow-workers at the American Bible Society in Midtown Manhattan near Central Park.
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Staff at the American Bible Society could not see the drama unfolding at the World Trade Centre but wailing sirens and increased traffic were the main indicators of the surreal violence being played out on television screens.
Dr Eugene Habecker, President of ABS, asked the United Bible Societies fellowship for prayers and for wisdom “as we try to provide a Scripture for these times.” Greg Bailey, National Director of the CBS, said he understood from Dr Habecker that ABS was about to start supplying Scripture Portions to bring comfort and hope to survivors and the bereaved. “Our Bible Societies have a glorious opportunity to ensure that the light of Christ burns brightly despite the darkness that has tried to extinguish it,” said Bailey.
God’s Word Brings Light and Hope During Dark Terror
Immediately after the disaster, ABS distributed 600 Bibles to the Bowery Mission, a centre traditionally for the homeless but now also for the distressed.
Bible workers are also distributing English and Spanish versions of the scripture portion "God is our Shelter and Strength" on the streets of lower Manhattan. They will also be making them available to hospital chaplains and to the churches at "ground zero", the worst hit area.
Fate of Friends and Loved Ones Still Unknown
ABS decided to close its offices so that staff could return home or inquire about the safety of family and friends who worked in or near the World Trade Centre.
While all three hundred employees of ABS were safe, there was still real fear for their loved ones. One woman was concerned for her sister, who worked at the Pentagon, but eventually she learned she was safe. More distressed is Naomi, who is still waiting for word on her boyfriend who worked in the World Trade Centre. As of Thursday, she had heard nothing. ABS has asked for prayer for Naomi during this difficult time of testing and personal anxiety.
Linda Langergaard, ABS executive assistant for organizational marketing, said, "I'm very grateful that we could pull together as a family and pray. No one is hesitating to cry or let their emotions be seen." Counsellors are being made available at the ABS offices.
In the midst of so much death and destruction, Scripture comes alive and offers much needed hope. Linda herself was comforted not only by the Twenty-third psalm but also by Isaiah 41:10 - "Don't be afraid, I am with you. Don't tremble with fear, I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories."
Canadian Bible Society
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