The 2006 Torches Across America ride was my first time to be part of the ceremonies at the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel in Shanksville. Torches was a secular event, and I was travelling with some of my Christian friends, who didn't understand the vision God had given me for that day. Foolishly I tried to talk to them, one man compassionate, although unknowing, the other so embroiled in himself and legalism, and how would I portray myself representing our ministry, that he missed it. It was to be a day that God was to surprise, bless, and amaze us, and also to set a pattern for a local CMA chapter to carry on, this Tenth Anniversary of 9-11. A day that we saw God's will be done, much to the surprise of all! Thy will be done is always the best.
When I had first contacted Fr. Al I told him we would volunteer to clean up if needed, we just wanted to help and not take away from the heroes of Flight 93. He insisted that I speak on behalf of the motorcycling community which had started to support the Chapel. So contacting the various ride groups planning on being there that day, we were going to be confronted with a parking problem. I had commitments from anyone from Tattoo Bob to Angelo and his group from Ohio-we were expecting over 700 bikers! But God-words to live by, knew better. As the 9am time came for me to speak, it was raining-as it always seems to on 9-11, the locals believe it is God's tears for the heroes-I do too. But as I was getting ready, a strange thing occurred-NO ONE had showed up! Except for 13 men and women from a new CMA Chapter, led by Dave Andrews, and this was their first event of any kind. Seems God had touched their heart also, and would continue too. Only God could have a man from San Diego 3000 miles away have a vision that would fill the heart of a local group-and bless us both.
My short talk went off without hitch, almost word for word the same message Fr. Al would later share for over 500! And we had never talked! But God-just like He had done on Flight 93, had just the right ones there. For on the plane, 40 heroes guided in unity by the Holy Spirit saved America from further tragedy. And because God only allowed a few of us to attend, He honored them that day. Again the ones He wanted there. If hundreds had shown up, the bikes would have taken away from the true reason we were there-as it was, God allowed us to compliment and thank God for the heroes. And to honor them with Him that day. In true love-not by a numbers driven event.
As we rang the bell that day at 1006am, 40 of us in the chapel each rang the bell once-for 40 heroes on the plane. Only God could know that! And as the day unfolded, we talked with Chris Taggert who created the statues-with a Dremel tool. We met the Northstar Kids, and in a moment I will never forget, when the ceremony started, we all joined in with them and sang "I"m proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free!" Not a dry eye in the place! For truly where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty! And Jesus was there among us that day. Weeping with those that wept!
So many miracles took place that day-even Hollywood's finest couldn't choreograph a better day! Because God did! And continues to today, and a legacy that God allowed me to be part of by my obedience to His vision still blesses today! But God...
Today my heart breaks as I will miss the Tenth Anniversary at the Chapel. I had always promised myself no matter what I would be there. But God... has me here for a reason I am sure. But I am confident that Dave and his chapter will do the right thing. He has the vision, and has been faithful to the Chapel, and God, for this the sixth year. It is his turn, and the time has long passed for me to step aside. For just as God placed 40 heroes on flight 93, and just as He allowed 13 people to bring Him honor in 2006, we still need to keep it all about Jesus. And not me, or CMA, or anything else-it is all about Jesus!
A word not just for today-but everyday. To those who call themselves ministers of the gospel, and those who claim Jesus as their saviour-keep the main thing the main thing!
A lifetime of joy and Jesus was felt by me that September, 2006 day. But the spark that the Spirit lit in me continues. As it does for Dave, Linda, and those who are called to the Chapel by God. To all of them, to Pastor Tony, the Bishop, the Northside Kids, Chris, the stewardesses and United employees who I shared tears with, Mary White, and the Homer family, and to my beloved friend, fellow patriot, and Christian brother Fr. Al, may the promise of Ephesians 3:20 continue to bless you all-that God will bless you above all you ask, or could even imagine. Just like He did for us that morning.
Just like He did for us on 9-11-2001 by sending us the Heroes of Flight 93. And by the continued honoring of the God they honored that day by their selfless duty. For it is not by might, nor by power, nor by ministry, not by the church, not by motorcycle, and not by legalism-but by the Spirit of God! Anything else is a lie. I did what God asked that day-now it is Dave's turn. Faith acted out in obedience. A lesson for all, from a God who loved us so much He gave His only Son.
with tears of compassion in love,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
please go to flight93memorialchapel.org