September 16, 2001

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ, and Fellow Americans,

Living outside of the United States I am watching on my "small screen" the tragic events that are unfolding this week, and I am anguished as I see the United States so caught up in our pain and indignation at the enormity of attacks on our way of life that it appears we are about to take steps that will be even more tragic for the whole world.

The president called for a day of mourning and prayer, and I thought it would also be reflection. Sitting in my living room, I was able to participate in the service in the National Cathedral yesterday. What I heard there, in the reading of God’s Word, prayer, singing, words of wisdom and comfort, and what has come since are in stark contrast! It suddenly looks to me like we were only tipping our hat to God before we follow our own foolish (and violent) ways.

Since I am out of the country I can hear the perspectives of other nations as they focus on the situation. BBC World has had impressive coverage of many views of what has occurred, and has shown that the world has great empathy with our suffering because other nations have suffered with many kinds of situations, both of injustice and violence and natural disasters. Can we as a nation be still and hear what veteran sufferers have to share with us before we reach for our guns to make sure some one else will suffer even more than we do?

Today CNN International breaks away from the USA coverage and shows Saddam Hussein in civilian clothes urging the United States to use "wisdom rather than force" to combat terrorism and ten minutes later (back to CNN USA) I see the U.S. president tell all U.S. military personnel to get their uniforms in order!

Until today I have not formed opinions about much of what is going on far from my doors, understanding my distance and inability to make a balanced and informed opinion, but in my morning shower I began to think about our Sunday school lessons to our children. Could it be that the story we teach of short young David killing the armed giant Goliath might have some parallel to Palestinian rock throwers facing the Israeli tanks that I saw on my screen yesterday?

As a church the PC(USA) is spending thousands of dollars on peacemaking. As we flock to our churches on September 16, 2001, are we thinking about our role in our nation at this historic moment?

Words that I heard in yesterday’s service are ringing in my mind. Lamentations 3:26,32,33: "It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone." Reading a bit further (v.40,41), I find "Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts as well as our hands to God in heaven."

My Brazilian newspaper today tells me that 93 percent of Americans support military actions. I am not there and I cannot tell if that is true or not. Has anyone else stopped to think that a "war against terrorism" is an oxymoron?

These are my personal reflections and thoughts at this moment, but I am compelled to share them with as many people as possible. Although I do not believe they will change the course of American history I hope that all who read will reflect on the privilege, wealth, and power that our nation wields. My words for my personal ministry this year are Jesus’ words to his disciples about the rich entering the kingdom of God. The question was (Mark 10:26): "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."

My anguished question at this moment is: Can our nation be saved?

In our Father’s gracious love and mercy,

Virginia Clare Gartrell

The 2001 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 258