On September 10, 2001, I began conducting a five-day workshop in Crossways International's Minneapolis headquarters. During the introductory session that day, I stressed the importance of getting youth and adults into the Written Word in depth, that they might understand the person, mind, and mission of the Living Word, Jesus the Messiah. I also expressed my concerns with regard to where history was heading, and suggested that unless the world community changed course, tragedy lay ahead--especially for the United States. The tragedy began the next morning.

No! I did not receive a direct word from the Lord about this, nor did I pull some Old or New Testament passage out of context. My statement stemmed from the fact that I have visited and worked in dozens of countries (many poverty-stricken), tried to read as much as possible about the world at large, and worked through and taught the biblical materials hundreds of times. I believe passionately that the need to understand Jesus' person, mind, and mission is more crucial to our survival now than many Christians dare to ponder.

We live in a vast universe and on a tiny planet that we did not make and do not own. The body and life we refer to as "ours" are merely lent to us short-term, Luke 12:20. People merely use (or abuse) what belongs to God. There is no such thing as a genetically "special" people. God has not given one square inch of land to any person or nation. God is not interested in borders, flags, or skin color. Success and "being blessed" have nothing to do with how many possessions and toys we acquire. There are no blessed nations; there are only challenged nations. Jesus defines the "blessed" as those who believe in and follow Him, and serve Him in His "distressing disguises" (Mother Theresa's term; see also Matthew 25:31-46). The question is always, "How do we use God's property to glorify God and benefit all humanity?"

Although God certainly did not want the events of Sept. 11, 2001, to take place, God can use them. There is reason to believe that, since that tragic day, more people are concerned about the future, and their vulnerability and mortality. Perhaps the "wake-up call" is this: We who call ourselves believers in and followers of the Christ, the Messiah, must get beyond selective reading of the Bible and immerse ourselves in its big story! We must see our Christianity as not merely a Sunday outing, but as a call to believe in, and follow, Jesus the Servant Messiah--full-time. We must share His "peace plan" (the only one that will ever work) with each other and the world at large. There is no other hope.

Crossways International provides training and materials (from the most basic to the quite profound) to empower people to teach, share, and live out Jesus' peace plan for time and eternity. The "key signature" to Jesus' peace plan is forgiving grace. Its "melody line" is full-time servanthood in worldwide community. We would consider it an honor to partner with you in your Christian work and walk in these troubled times. Please give us a call!

Harry Wendt
President, Crossways International