Fear struck through the heart of the United States yesterday as a coordinated terrorist attack struck New York City and Washington, DC. Three hijacked commercial airliners were used to strike two targets: the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A fourth hijacked commercial airliner crashed in an unpopulated area outside of Pittsburgh. Both of the World Trade Center towers collapsed and part of the Pentagon collapsed. Television is plastered with news about the events, including eyewitness accounts and video of both planes hitting the World Trade Center towers from multiple angles. So far, no one has claimed responsibility.
In the wake of these tragedies, my school has pulled together into a tight community of support. Our InterVarsity Small Group held a prayer meeting last night, instead of our regular meeting. Later, I attended a prayer service in the school chapel followed by a prayer vigil in Friendship Circle, the center of our campus. I was strengthened by the support offered fellow students, faculty, and staff. I was also strengthened by the spirituality and willingness to show emotion and pain at the tragedy. Many students spoke up at the prayer vigil declaring Jesus Christ their Lord and encouraging others to seek salvation. Others shared passages to help us through these uncertain times. God is with us and He will not forsake us. Thanks be to God.
