As we remember how life in the United States and around the world changed 20 years ago when 3,000 lost their lives in terrorist acts on September 11, 2001 — as planes crashed through the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Virginia, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania — I urge our members in the North American Division to pray for those who were impacted by these events and lost loved ones on that day. We remember the first responders, many who gave their lives in service to their fellow human beings. We also remember the brave passengers on United Flight 93 who sacrificed their lives to save others.

I encourage us to remember the hope God gives us. He will sustain us and provide us with peace. May we also remember this promise: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33, NIV).”

— G. Alexander Bryant, president, Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America