The events of September 11, 2001 will forever be engraved in the history books of the United States as a day that changed the nation and altered American’s personal sense of security in a fearful world. One of the heroes of 9/11 was Todd Beamer, a passenger on United Flight 93. Todd and the other passengers on that flight realized the terrorists who had commandeered their plane were heading the craft toward a strategic target to do greater damage than simply to harm the passengers on board. After conferring with the other passengers, it was Todd’s rallying words, “Are you ready? Let’s roll!” that set in motion a counterattack from the passengers and crew. This successful counterattack ended when Flight 93 crashed in a quiet field in Pennsylvania, far short of its suspected target in Washington D.C. Many believe the terrorists had plotted to crash the plane into the White House or even into the United States capitol building. All of the passengers and crew died in the battle, including Todd Beamer.
Beamer was a devoted Christian. His faith in God influenced not only his value of human life, but also his hope for eternal life. Todd’s father David Beamer, will be in the area speaking at Blanchard Church of Christ. Mr. Beamer is coming to the area in cooperation with Emmanuel School of Religion in Johnson City, Tennessee. Emmanuel is a graduate seminary dedicated to preparing leaders for the church around the world. In the Emmanuel Village, The Todd Beamer Cottage stands as a tribute to this American hero. Outside the Beamer Cottage is a plaque that reads: “Awoke a free man – Became a soldier. Died a hero – Died a Christian”
You are invited to be present and meet David Beamer and to hear his story of hope and peace in the midst of terror and fear. While the events of 9/11 are in the past, the world continues to struggle with wars and terrorist activity. Apart from national strife, individuals have their own personal struggles with every day life. Those struggles can result in paralyzing fear. Mr. Beamer is coming to share his real life story. He will be speaking at Blanchard Church of Christ on Sunday April 6, 2008 at 8:30 & 11:55 services. The public is invited to hear this father of a great American hero.
