A Memory, a Reminder, and an Important Decision

Summer 2001, I learned how to ride a bike, started 1st grade, and spent quality time playing hide-and-seek with the kids in my neighborhood. I was excited to go back to school with all of my friends. On September 11, 2001, school was in session and all the children were outside playing in the playground. As soon as the bell rang, we all rushed inside the room and saw the television was on. Each one of us had excitement on our faces, because we thought it was a movie day. What I saw seemed like a movie. Planes crashing into buildings, smoke filling the skies, and people running out of the buildings. I went up to my teacher and asked, “Is that a movie?” With shock and tears on her face she said, “No Victor, it’s real.” My 7-year-old mind didn’t comprehend that in that moment the United States changed forever.

Two years ago, I had the privilege to travel and explore New York City. My first destination was to visit the 9/11 Memorial. As I saw the remaining pieces of that day in the museum, tears filled my eyes. My heart broke after hearing numerous voicemails messages from victims saying goodbye to their loved ones. One in particular that stood out to me was a man in one of the Twin Tower buildings calling his wife to tell her that planes were crashing into the building but not worry because he would see her soon. I’ve read multiple articles of people who lived and personally experienced that day. One writer wrote that there were two types of people in those burning buildings: one who told people to remain calm and wait to be rescued and the other warned people to get out of the building as soon as possible. Some of those who heeded to the warning went down the stairwell and made it out of the building alive.

The Lord says in

Hebrews 3:15

“Now is a day of salvation. Today if you hear my voice, harden not your heart.”

Unfortunately today’s present Christians believe that Jesus is not coming soon and that giving our life to Him can wait. That is a lie that can easily deceive you and me. We do not know how much time we have on this old earth. Some of us will meet a time of departure sooner than we think. Life is unpredictable and knowing this, how can we procrastinate in our decision? The Lord says in Hebrews 3:15, “Now is a day of salvation. Today if you hear my voice, harden not your heart.” Friend, Jesus will come soon. Don’t you want to be ready? When the end of all things comes, don’t you want to find yourself safe in the arms of your Savior? Don’t put off that decision. As the Spirit speaks to you, yield yourself to Him. Accept His invitation of Salvation now.

Victor Lopez

Victor is an Elder and Bible Worker at the Anderson Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He graduated from SOULS West Bible College and Michigan College of Evangelism. Over his 8 years of ministry, he has served in numerous roles - Assistant Director of Evangelism for the Colorado Conference and the Youth Program Leader for Southern California, Georgia, and Indiana conferences. Victor’s lifelong mission is sharing the gospel and leading people to the feet of Jesus.

Victor’s personal interests are traveling, cooking plant-based foods, and spending time with family. A fun fact about Victor is that he has backpacked 8 countries in Europe within 2 weeks!