ImaGApeach
11-05-2003, 08:11 AM
I heard this person's story on the radio today and thought
> it was too powerful not to share.
>
> A man from Norfolk, VA 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 11th, my wife and 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 and 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 recieved a call from my father who was retired
>FDNY. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but explained that we
>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 concerened 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, and 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, and I never got to say
>goodbye. 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 and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my
>father had been the one to find his wife and 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 and 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, and 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 and 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 is always in
>control. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know
>this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.
>
> Please take time to share this amazing story with those you love.
>You may never know the impact it may have on someone.
>
>
>
>
> it was too powerful not to share.
>
> A man from Norfolk, VA 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 11th, my wife and 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 and 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 recieved a call from my father who was retired
>FDNY. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but explained that we
>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 concerened 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, and 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, and I never got to say
>goodbye. 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 and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my
>father had been the one to find his wife and 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 and 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, and 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 and 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 is always in
>control. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know
>this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.
>
> Please take time to share this amazing story with those you love.
>You may never know the impact it may have on someone.
>
>
>
>