The 'L I T T L E' things . 

As you might know, the head of the company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten. 


Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts. 


One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time. 

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident. 

One of them missed his bus. 

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change. 

One's car wouldn't start. 

One went back to answer the telephone.. 

One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have. 

One couldn't get a taxi. 

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today. 

Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone... all the little things that annoy me. 

I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment.. 

Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated; 

God is at work watching over you. 

May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose. 






Robert Matthews 

A man from Norfolk, Virginia called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003.  His Name was Robert Matthews.  These are his  words: 

"A few weeks before Sept 11, 2001, my wife & I found out we were going to have our first child. 

She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a  safe trip & be with her. 

Shortly after I said 'amen'  we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. 

We had blown out a tire. 

I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. 

Both very upset, we drove home. 

I received a call from my father who was retired FDNY.  He asked what my wife's flight number was, I told him, but I explained that we had missed the flight. 

My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. 

I was too shocked to speak. 

My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can just sit by for, I have to do something.' 

I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. 

After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild.' 

Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort. 

My joy, that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered, quickly  became anger. 

Anger at GOD, at my father, & at myself. 

I had gone for nearly 2 years blaming God for taking my father away.  My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted  Christ, & I never got to say good-bye. 

Then something happened. 

About 2 months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son,  when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child. The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. 

I told him it was. 

He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.' 

He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant & had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife & free her. 

My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. 

He then said, 'there is something else you need to know. His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him & lead him to Christ. 

I began sobbing at the news. 

Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, & that this family would be able to thank him themselves." 

When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew in honor of the man who gave his life so mother & baby could live. 

This story should help us to realize two things: First, that though it has been two years since the attacks, we should never let it become a mere tragic memory. 

And second, but most important, GOD's plan is often a mystery. We may not see the reason behind things, & we may never know this side of Heaven, but there is ALWAYS a larger picture. 

Please take time to share this amazing story with those you love. You may never know the impact it may have on someone.



We know that 80% of the town of Meulaboh in Aceh was destroyed by the Tsunami waves and 80% of the people also died. This is one of the towns that was hit the hardest. 
 
But there is a fantastic testimony from Meulaboh. In that town are about 
400 Christians. 
 
They wanted to celebrate Christmas on December 25th but were not allowed  to do so by the Muslims of Meulaboh. They were told if they wanted to celebrate Christmas they needed to go outside the city of Meulaboh on a high hill and there celebrate Christmas. 
 
Because the Christians desired to celebrate Christmas the 400 believers left the city on December 25th and after they celebrated Christmas they stayed overnight on the hill. 
 
As we all know the morning of December 26 there was the earthquake followed by the Tsunami waves destroying most of the city of Meulaboh and thousands were killed. 
 
The 400 believers were on the mountain and were all saved from destruction. 
 
Now the Muslims of Meulaboh are saying that the God of the Christians punished us for forbidding the Christians from celebrating Christmas in  the city. Others are questioning why so many Muslims died while not even one of the Christians died there. 
 
Had the Christians insisted on their rights to celebrate Christmas in the city, they would have all died. But because they humbled themselves and followed the advice of the Muslims they all were spared destruction and  can now testify of God's marvelous protection. 
 
This is a testimony of the grace of God and the fact that as believers we have no rights in the world. Our right is to come before God and commit our lives to Him. Our right is kneeling down before the Lord almighty and committing our ways to Him. He is our Father and is very capable of caring for His children. Praise the Name of the Lord. 
 
Bill Hekman
Pastor Calvary Life Fellowship in Indonesia