A Message from the Pastor:
967 People Saved
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, NIV)
I recently read this thrilling story about a dog named Daisy. What she did on 911 in saving 967 lives at the World Trade Center should demonstrate the intensity that we should exhibit in reaching others for Christ. I realize Daisy is a dog, but her tenacity should challenge us in fulfilling the Great Commission.
James Crane worked on the 101st floor of Tower 1 of the World Trade Center ... He is blind so he has a golden retriever named Daisy. After the plane hit 20 stories below, James knew that he was doomed, so he let Daisy go, as an act of love.
She darted away into the darkened hallway. Choking on the fumes of the jet fuel and the smoke, James was just waiting to die. About 30 minutes later, Daisy comes back along with James’ boss, who Daisy just happened to pick up on floor 112 on her first run of the building. She leads James, James’ boss, and about 300 more people out of the doomed building.
But she wasn’t through yet, she knew there were others who were trapped. So, highly against James’ wishes she ran back in the building. On her second run, she saved 392 lives. Again she went back in. During this run, the building collapses. James hears about this and falls on his knees into tears.
Against all known odds, Daisy makes it out alive, but this time she is carried by a firefighter. “She led us right to the people, before she got injured” the fireman explained. Her final run saved another 273 lives. She suffered acute smoke inhalation, severe burns on all four paws, and a broken leg, but she saved 967 lives.
Daisy is the first civilian Canine to win the Medal of Honor of New York City.
Our mission at Cedar Creek is to save the lost by sharing the Good News of Christ. No disrespect to Daisy, but if a dog can save 967 people’s lives; I just believe that each of us can reach at least one person in 2015.
I want to challenge you to be intentional in your witness for Christ. As Cedar Creek celebrates 76 years of ministry this year, lets dedicate ourselves to do our part in fulfilling the Great Commission. (JWM)
