I have been reading so many different newspapers about the events that began on September 11...
Some of the papers I quickly scan because there is simply too much to absorb. With others, I read only a select handful of articles that capture my attention.
In the New York Times for Saturday, September 22, page B-13, there was a riveting and emotional array of profiles of some of the victims who perished in the World Trade Center disaster. Most of these profiles were very sad. However, there was one that stood out and even caused me to rejoice – not in the person's death, but in this deceased Christian's testimony that no doubt lives on.
His name is Alfred J. Braca, a stranger to me. But what I read encouraged my heart. This piece said that Mr. Braca lived in New Jersey, had been married for thirty-three years, and had four children, all of whom I assume are grown. The profile then told how he first met his wife on the Staten Island ferry many years ago. It gave the names of his children, and then went on to say that Mr. Braca, age fifty-four, "was a born-again Christian who never stopped counting his blessings." It also said, "He worked as a bond broker for Cantor Fitzgerald, where co-workers nicknamed him 'The Rev' because of his faith."
Finally, this little piece poignantly closed with the fact that just last month he walked one of his daughters down the aisle for her wedding. I cried when I read that part. However, I have a gut feeling that this godly man, who was very vocal about his faith, may have been able to lead others who were trapped with him to trust in Christ.
I can't help but think that Mr. Braca helped many to make their peace with God before their end came. In fact, I imagine that he faced his own death boldly and fearlessly. In my heart I believe he was used by God in the last minutes of his life, high above the streets of Lower Manhattan, to be a blessing for those who were afraid.
Though a stranger to me, I am proud of this man, and thankful for his faithful witness to his co-workers. I am looking forward to meeting this man in heaven one day, and I have added his family to my prayer list.
D.B.
In the New York Times for Saturday, September 22, page B-13, there was a riveting and emotional array of profiles of some of the victims who perished in the World Trade Center disaster. Most of these profiles were very sad. However, there was one that stood out and even caused me to rejoice – not in the person's death, but in this deceased Christian's testimony that no doubt lives on.
His name is Alfred J. Braca, a stranger to me. But what I read encouraged my heart. This piece said that Mr. Braca lived in New Jersey, had been married for thirty-three years, and had four children, all of whom I assume are grown. The profile then told how he first met his wife on the Staten Island ferry many years ago. It gave the names of his children, and then went on to say that Mr. Braca, age fifty-four, "was a born-again Christian who never stopped counting his blessings." It also said, "He worked as a bond broker for Cantor Fitzgerald, where co-workers nicknamed him 'The Rev' because of his faith."
Finally, this little piece poignantly closed with the fact that just last month he walked one of his daughters down the aisle for her wedding. I cried when I read that part. However, I have a gut feeling that this godly man, who was very vocal about his faith, may have been able to lead others who were trapped with him to trust in Christ.
I can't help but think that Mr. Braca helped many to make their peace with God before their end came. In fact, I imagine that he faced his own death boldly and fearlessly. In my heart I believe he was used by God in the last minutes of his life, high above the streets of Lower Manhattan, to be a blessing for those who were afraid.
Though a stranger to me, I am proud of this man, and thankful for his faithful witness to his co-workers. I am looking forward to meeting this man in heaven one day, and I have added his family to my prayer list.
D.B.