world trade center

WORLD TRADE CENTER CRISIS PAGE

Click here for our World Trade Center Crisis Photo Gallery

Street Life Ministries was on site at "Ground Zero" since the day after the attacks offering support to all those in need. We have been able to provide spiritual support and counsel to many of the rescue workers. People flooded our Step Van and Prayer Station in need of prayer, answers and a freindly ear.

As you know, we sent a email on September 11th asking for your prayers as we asked God to give us His heart and mind in how He would have us respond to the WTC disaster, I would like to now in some measure report some of what God has done, I can not divulge all details due to the nature of the efforts we were involved in. I'm sure many of you have received many emails concerning this tragedy, but knowing most of you are either friends, intercessors, former SLM teams, or those who have inquired of SLM, I wanted to give you a first hand report.

After making calls to all I could think of on Tuesday afternoon & evening, to get our S-Van into the city, the most helpless feelings I've had were upon me, so continuing in prayer, we prepared for Wednesday and trusted that God would open the tunnels/bridges to allow us access to Manhattan. Around 11:30 am the report came that the Queens Midtown Tunnel would reopen by 12 PM. So off we were, asking God to lead us fully by His Spirit. We went to the Chelsea Piers, where all the new found volunteers were gathered to receive the outpouring of food, clothes, etc., as well as the place where the police/firemen were to rest and get help. We stayed at the front of the line where we could feed, from the S-Van, all those who desired, and took by tray, drinks, soup, and snacks into the main rooms to the workers. We were well received and thanked often. By 5:30 PM they could not take anymore goods. The place was so full so we prepared to leave, though I felt (as I had all day) that I want to be at Ground Zero, or as close as we could get. So after some inquiries from our City's Finest, we prayed and asked God to get us as far as possible to serve the men in the trenches.

14th st. was the cutoff zone, so off we went. At 7th Ave we asked to go further. We waited and prayed as I shared our desire with the police. After 15 Minutes he said "3 blocks is all I can get you" so off we went. After 3, we made a quick turn or two, and wound up in front of St. Vincent hospital, where all the initial victims and firemen/police came. All cameras and news folk were there, so we made the turn and kept heading south a few more blocks... another blockade. I asked again they said, "Go for it." A few more and at the last blockade, the officer said, "Well you made it this far, go on in." So we stopped, parked and looked for respirator masks. We put some drinks and soup on trays, and went out into the midst of so much smoke. Very few were there, so we asked and were told that at City Hall were lots of guys resting and recooperating, so off we went a few blocks more. For the next 4 hours we served police, firemen, etc., with food, drink and prayers. Many there that night were lovers of Jesus and we had an incredible time. We were asked to return the next day by many, including a Sergeant who practically demanded us to come back! PTL what a God we serve!

Thursday came and back we went to the corner of Chambers/Broadway at City Hall, where we served from 9 AM till 10 PM. It rained heavy which brought more guys to the S-Van than ever, having heard about the coffee and hot homemade soup. Many were being prayed with and shared with, as well as listening to their heart felt needs. A pastor friend and I started going into Ground Zero (3 blocks away) and ministered, prayer walked, worked the Bucket Line, triage center, etc. looking for ways to bring the love of Christ. This we did most of Thursday & Friday. What open doors these were for Jesus.

On Saturday we had hoped to get back to City Hall, though my heart's desire was to be right on Church Street at Ground Zero and I had asked God to do just that. As we headed into that area, we were told "NO! City Hall area is now closed off." We drove on and were told "no" three more times at different check points with the Military being on board now. As we were looking for a new way, a pounding came on the S-Van door, and an officer asked us where we are going. I told him that I had hoped to get into City Hall. He said "Great, give me a ride!" So with our new friend we whisked through the next bunch of check points and as we approached the corner I said, "I'm going to go straight into Ground Zero." It was a God-word. We dropped Him off, went through the check point and incredibly found ourselves on the corner of Church & Fulton Street… right on Ground Zero (across from the Millennium Hilton). WOW!!!!!

We set up and started serving. 2 hours later the sirens started to blare (due to shattering glass and lots of wind on the Millennium Hilton, which they thought would fall) and everyone ran for blocks. When we all returned a Sergeant said to me, "You know its not safe for your S-Van to park there any more." I siliently prayed, "God Keep us here, no matter what." I then asked, "So where do you want me?" He looks around and says, "I like that spot for you." and He points to a space right on Church Street on the corner (first in line). GOD YOU'RE TOO AMAZING!

So with lots of help from the guys and our staff, we moved to our new location and again started to serve and share and pray with so many from the military, firemen, police, rescue workers, Verizion, Con Ed… everyone was there. I felt, at that point, that we are here and we need to stay put, so we began our 24/7 shifts. We then set up a Prayer Station and a councilling area, where we had teams of "trauma counselors" and volunteers come from Colorado, West Virginia, Texas, Ohio, Arkansas, and we continued this way for 2 weeks. Every day it was major miracle to even get into the sight with our workers and supplies. We served the Salvation Army when they had no help. We served in every way possible: cleaning, sorting through all the goods that had been donated, sharing ice, food and drinks. For all it was a incredible witness for the Lord, which we were told daily by everyone there.

One incredible thing was, after a number of days (I lost track after 4 nights with only 2 hours sleep) we had asked God for even more creative ways to minister, and a friend, Doctor Betsy sent 1000 "Badges of Honor" which went like gold. We gave all of them out in 1 day, praying over each person who received one. I asked for 2000 more, which came the next day. It was a God thing. Men and women were lining up for prayer and their badge of honor. In a few days 3000 were given out, with people coming for 2 more days to request more, which we did not have. We were also able to give out 1000's of the IBS and ABS booklets on the WTC disaster and Gospels of John. The first night we had them, a few of us walked over to the area where the firemen were eating and gave out 12 or so to feel it out. Everyone there said they wanted one too, so off we went to get a whole case (600) and went back and gave them all out in 15 minutes. It was something to see each one of them read immediately the story of the WTC Crisis with the recent pictures and a simple Gospel message. It was a scene I and others will never forget.

Also that night, a film crew was approaching and, sure enough, Mike Wallace and NYC Police Commissioner Carrick were looking at the Prayer Station, and MW asked, "What is this Prayer Station?" So I rushed in, and as cameras and mics were put in my face I began to explain why we were there and what we were doing and proceeded to share Jesus with them both! MW was visibly moved by this event. Pray for Him! Others came by in these days as well: Cal Thomas, Senator Schumer (who remarked, "this is what needs to be here!"), Congressmen, and even IMUS! What a testimony to Jesus in the middle of all this to see the SLM S-Van, Trauma Counseling and Prayer Station with the grace of God so present! AMEN!

There is so much More I would like to say, but I am so drained in every way. We had to leave Ground Zero Wednesday (9/26) night. Security was made even tighter, new badges had to be acquired, and though we begged the Salvation Army to let us as a ministry serve with them, they declined. So even as we had asked God to have us stay as long as He desired and be effective, our time for now at Ground Zero is done, but the 1000's of men and women from all over this country are not. The seeds are sown. Many came to Jesus during these 2 weeks, being in a place, where by all rights, SLM had no place being… except for GOD!!!!!!

Now we recooperate, replan, and get ready for the next phase. I did a Red Cross training and am now certified as a Chaplain, which gives me access to those in the families, police, firemen, who lost loved ones, or those who desire any help. Today we have 12 more trauma specialists who will do the RC training. We also don't want to forget those we minister to weekly, so we press on to serve Him with all our might. I also believe, through all this, that God is adding to the vision He has already entrusted us with, and that is DISASTER RELIEF. I knew so little about this before, but now would be better prepared for the next one when it comes.

Right now we need your help in prayers/intercession and contributions. We are thankful to those who have already sent much needed funds. We hosted all the teams gratis, used much of our supplies (which we will replenish), and we are also going to help cover the costs of the badges ($6000). We also want to ask God to fully supply our next S-Van (made for disaster relief ) with full kitchen and hopefully a medical section in the rear. It goes [I'm told] for around $60,000. We also covet your prayers for us as we seek God for the long term here and our place in the continuing efforts to serve those here in NYC as well as the WTC Crisis victims and there families.

Prayers needed:

- Grace for us as a family and staff, we are drained and in need of rest, yet must press on

- Wisdom for the transition we now face in the ongoing efforts of the WTC Crisis and SLM's response to it

- A major release of donations and contributions to aid SLM and those in need effected by the WTC Crisis

- The new Disaster Relief S-Van

- Most of all, those we ministered Jesus to during our time at Ground Zero. We are following up all who gave us their info! Also pray for the 1000's who were spoken to and for the seeds sown in their lives.

Thanks so much for your time in reading this short account of SLM's time at Ground Zero. Again, we need your prayers, and though we almost never ask for funds, we know at this time we need to. Millions of dollars have been given to major organizations, but the small ones, like us, are in great need too. As always, we trust God and His people to rise up and bless those they know and trust. I pray we can count on you at this time to obey God in whatever He says to do. Would you speak to your church for a one time offering, or have them consider us for monthly support ? Let us know, But please do pray !

Gifts can be sent directly to us, or through our web sight for credit cards. All donations are tax deductable Thanks so much!

Again we thank you all and shall believe God to be glorified in all we do and bring triumph out of this tragedy.

For the King and Kingdom,

David Van Fleet & SLM Team