In the Aftermath of Tragedy GOD IS IN CHARGE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

We have had sometime to reflect on the deliberate and calculated terrorist attack against our nation, and know how difficult this situation is for all Americans. This terrorist attack will alter our way of life and will challenge Officers' Christian Fellowship in the days ahead.

Many people we know and serve with will have been directly impacted by the events of 11 September 2001. This was the worst man-made tragedy America has experienced since the Civil War. Probably every hometown in America lost someone directly or indirectly in this tragedy. Our people will grieve for a long time.

Many Americans may react to this attack with despair, anger, hopelessness and grief. Consequently, we need to help others remember and know who our God is and where our hope resides. Our God is the author of all creation. He is sovereign. Nothing occurs that He does not allow and He still loves us even though things look bleak and the future may be uncertain. We may never understand this situation but recall Isaiah 55:8 where scripture says: ". . . My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways . . ."

We should consider God's thoughts and ways. This terrorist attack was and will be a defining event in American history. Meditate on Psalm 90, where Moses recounts the hardships of the Israelites and the brevity of life, but reflects on the promises of an almighty God. Hardship begets opportunity and perhaps this is God's time for revival and a return to Him across America. People look for hope. We have that hope, so we should expect to minister and share the Gospel with those with whom we might not otherwise have an opportunity. In your fellowship, on duty, or in your community be alert to hurting hearts and reach out. God's love is indisputable even in this situation. His love was proven once and for all through His Son on the cross.

Grief is not the only reason that people will need help. Our nation will continue to ask the military to perform at its highest level as the President and the nation seek justice as a result of this terrorist attack. By now operations may have already commenced, but I suspect they are far from over because the enemy and his tactics are much more deceitful than we normally expect. This is not just a battle it is a campaign against the agents of evil in our world.

The need for every OCF member to reach out and minister in the name of Jesus Christ may be greater than at any time since World War II. What was already a high operations tempo may become even higher. People who are not deployed may be working nearly continuously; planning, training, rehearsing, or providing support. Families will be in tremendous need. We must do our best to keep families involved in ministry even when military members are not available to participate.

In the days ahead, each of us should be sensitive to needs, adjust to available ministry opportunities, carry out military duties with our best professional efforts, and continue to pray. Pray diligently and consistently for those involved in the containment and aftermath of this tragedy, beginning with the President, our military chain of command, rescue workers, the medical community, churches and chaplains, and the troops who will be dealing with this situation. Pray particularly for those who lost family members and friends. And remember to pray for senior officers on your posts, bases, and ships. We must persevere in our efforts because the just and righteous closure to this tragedy in all respects may take months and years.

It's important to maintain as normal a life as possible, given duty requirements and commanders' guidance on force protection and individual safety. Satan would like nothing better than to foil our ministry efforts through disruption and fear, and give victory to the terrorist.

The days ahead will be difficult for our nation. But we Christians must be a beacon of hope. I am always encouraged by the Lord's instruction to Joshua before he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Our God is a mighty God and the events of 11 September 2001, or events in the future will neither deter His purposes or His love. Jesus Christ has paid the price and God is still sovereign. God is in charge. Standing on the Rock,

Bruce L. Fister Lieutenant General, USAF, Retired Executive Director