Forever Changed

Sandra Chowns
Accountant for World Radio

Today, nine years ago, marks one of the greatest tragedies this country has ever known. On September 11, 2001, two commercial planes flew into both towers of the World Trade Center killing more than 3000 people. Our lives are now forever changed. I, along with millions more, had family in New York City on this terrible day. All phone signals were jammed allowing no communication in or out of the city. All we could do was watch the news and pray for safety for our own family, the families of the victims and the people holding on to dear life waiting to be rescued.

Tears of joy flowed when we received word that my oldest son was safe and out of harm’s way. But then my heart went out to those who continued to wait to hear if their loved ones were safe – comforting words that never came. Tears flowed again, but this time for grief at the loss of loved ones.

 
That day brought much thought and deliberation about how life can be changed in an instant. For those who have obeyed the Gospel and are ready to meet the Father, although there is sadness and grief when there is a death, there is still the knowledge that one day there will be a wonderful reunion. But what of those who don’t have that assurance? Where is their comfort? Where is their relief? I’ve often wondered how people who don’t know the joy of salvation can live through tragedy by themselves. What a heartbreaking and sad thought that is.

 
Tragedy can and does come in many forms in this life, through death, through separation or through loss. What about those parents or grandparents whose child has lost his way…so many sleepless nights wondering where he is, what he is doing, and is he safe? I was one of those parents. My youngest son had left the Lord and was living a very unhealthy life – both physically and spiritually. I prayed for him for years seeing no changes in his life and was getting so discouraged. Thankfully a friend reminded me that God’s timing is perfect and to never give up. Praise be to God that my son is the prodigal and has returned and rededicated his life to Christ.

I’ve learned that no matter what is going on in our lives, whether it is a national tragedy or a personal tragedy, we as Christians must take seriously the charge of spreading the Good News of Jesus. We must never give up and must continue to pray, to preach, and to go tell the world of Jesus Christ and His love for each of us. That is what we do here at World Radio and we would love for you to join us in spreading the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you aren’t part of the World Radio team please prayerfully consider partnering with us as we continue to pray and work until the Lord says “Well done my good and faithful servant.” And for those of you who are already our partner, we say “Thank you.”

How you can help:
Gifts of Cash of course are the simplest and easiest ways to give.
Gifts of Appreciated Property create great benefits to you the donor, such as being able to receive regular tax savings, and avoiding the capital gains tax on qualified assets given for charitable use.
A Will or Living Trust can establish a lasting legacy, one that will continually provide funds that will help spread the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the lands.
A Life Insurance Policy that has fulfilled its original intent could offer excellent tax benefits.
A Gift Annuity that provides an income and offers a tax advantage for you and/or someone else is an option that offers a way of receiving regular payments for life or another period of time.