“‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”
Luke 10:36-37
On Sunday morning, September 9, 2001, I preached a sermon on the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan to our congregation in Lewisporte, Newfoundland, Canada. At the end of the sermon, I asked, “Who is your neighbor?” I had no way of knowing that just two days later on September 11, the world would be—so to speak—coming to our neighborhood. Thousands of people were going to need Good Samaritan kind of compassion.
As one of the Salvation Army Officers in the region, I would be on hand in Gander, NF, to greet the weary passengers as they deplaned. Most of them had no idea where they were. They knew nothing of the terrorist takeover of several planes in the U.S. The first faces they saw as they came off those planes and entered the registration area needed to be warm and welcoming.
We gave a lot of hugs that day. I assured distraught, frightened people that if they had to be stranded anywhere in the world, they had landed in the right place. The people of Newfoundland would be kind and do all we could to help.
As one of the Salvation Army Officers in the region, I would be on hand in Gander, NF, to greet the weary passengers as they deplaned. Most of them had no idea where they were. They knew nothing of the terrorist takeover of several planes in the U.S. The first faces they saw as they came off those planes and entered the registration area needed to be warm and welcoming.
We gave a lot of hugs that day. I assured distraught, frightened people that if they had to be stranded anywhere in the world, they had landed in the right place. The people of Newfoundland would be kind and do all we could to help.
Scripture Focus
Luke 10:25-37
Insight
This piece was contributed by Major Marlene George who has served in the Salvation Army for 35 years, speaking and showing compassion in the name of Jesus.
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 3-5
- Psalm 74
- John 14-15
