This September 11 was a very special day for me.
I was privileged to be part of a group of 70 guests invited to spend Patriot Day together in New York City. Our group was comprised of leaders from every corner of society—civic, business, government, and ministry.
For nearly 16 hours, we combed the city. At every stop, we prayed together—and listened to one another share our reflections on our nation. I was asked to present the closing words for the evening.
Our day began at 6:30am at the Federal Building, where George Washington was inaugurated as America’s first president. Renowned historian Mr. William Federer shared quotations from President Washington where our first President reflected on how our faith in God has served as a cornerstone of the founding of our nation.
From there, we went to St. Paul’s Chapel, where Washington went to pray following his inauguration. St. Paul’s stands just across the street from Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers fell in 2011. We learned of the heroic effort of countless volunteers who were involved both in lifesaving efforts on 9/11 and, over the subsequent year, took on the herculean recovery and cleanup tasks that resulted from the awful tragedy.
We continued our day…praying over Wall Street and the United Nations, seeking God’s face for our nation and the world.
We then held a special service at the Statue of Liberty. The quote found at Lady Liberty’s base stirred me as I thought about my upcoming presentation:
"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” - Emma Lazarus
Our day together culminated with a dinner cruise. During the cruise, several group members prayed for our nation, including former Olympian and Congressman Jim Ryun.
Finally, it was time for me to close our time together:
“This is an historic day. I’m honored to have been invited. I have asked people from all over the world to pray for this day. And throughout the day, I have received texts from over one hundred people saying they were praying for us.
“I was actually scheduled to be at another important event today. But when the organizers of that learned about your invitation, they graciously allowed me to leave that event early so that I could be with you.
“I have been asked to represent America’s part in sharing our faith with the world. Little did I know that throughout our day, so many people would mention America’s important role in world evangelization.
“America has had an important part in sharing the love and hope of Jesus. In fact, Lady Liberty’s quote rings similar to a key component of our faith—think of Jesus’ words: ‘Come to me, all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’.
“Just a few years ago, I had the privilege of attending the anniversary of 200 years of mission history from America. It was in Boston that Adoniram Judson, America’s first missionary, set off for Burma (known today as Myanmar). That departure set in motion what has been the most influential mission movement in the history of our world.
“Adoniram went through many trials in Burma. He lost two wives and several children. He was imprisoned and abused--hung upside down while in captivity. He lost his first translation of the Bible to a fire.
“Yet today, the Burmese people use the Bible he eventually translated. Despite his onslaught of trials, Adoniram’s hope in Christ remained strong. As he set off for his final departure to Burma, a reporter asked him, ‘Surely, Mr. Judson, what hope do you have for Burma?’ Adoniram’s reply? ‘The future is as bright as the promises of God!’
“Today, as we remember September 11, 2001, we are reminded of America’s resilience. She overcame during the War of Independence. She overcame during the Civil War. She overcame during World Wars I and II. And once again, She overcame the tragedy we remember this day.
“There are many who express worry about America’s future—and her role in bringing the light of Christ to the world. But, I’m here to remind us of Adoniram’s words: ‘The future is as bright as the promises of God!’
“May America flourish as She builds on the legacy of sparking the largest movement for Christ the world has ever known. May we see revival in our land and a new generation of young people committed to taking Christ to the nations. And may we remember that ‘The future is as bright as the promises of God.’ No matter what trials we face—in the past, now, and in the future—God’s promises will ring true!”
Joe Handley
