Pastor To Pastor Newsletter by H.B. London

[PastorP]

SEPTEMBER 11 —
A DAY FOR PRAYERFUL REMEMBRANCE;
NOT HATRED AND REVENGE
The ninth anniversary of the brutal attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon hold vivid memories for me. I can — as you can — remember where I was as I watched on television the two United Airlines aircraft fly into the twin towers. I stared in disbelief as the networks began to report on the tragedy.
I am troubled by the fact that this coming Saturday, September 11, our focus will be turned from an event that altered the course of history to a publicity-driven clergyman in Gainesville, Florida, and a location two blocks from "Ground Zero" that may or may not become the site of a Muslim mosque.
To my knowledge, I have never met the pastor of Dove World Outreach — although I have been to Gainesville several times for clergy meetings. If I could, I would just ask him — why?
To those who propose to build a mosque so close to the site where nearly 3,000 innocent people were killed, I would ask — why?
Sure, in both cases, they most likely have the right to do what they propose, but why would they be so insensitive? So thoughtless? So mean-spirited?
I stood at "Ground Zero" a short time after the attack — amid the chaos, destruction, heartbreak and disbelief. I watched brave rescue workers remove bodies from the rubble. I prayed with overworked Salvation Army officers. I cried out of frustration.
On September 11, a war was declared that has now claimed the lives of over 4,000 of our countrymen and severely injured tens of thousands more. In light of that — why more hatred? Why more disrespect?
I am praying that the pastor will come to his senses and that those who propose to build a mosque will go elsewhere.
I will also be praying for the families of those who were killed in the September 11 attack and subsequent war — and the brave men and women who have and do represent all of us in Iraq and Afghanistan. Will you join me?
"They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks" (Isa. 2:4).
Be blessed and be a blessing. —HBL