Has Anyone Ever Taken Your Place?  An Amazing Account + A 9/11 Tribute 

In 2001, Steve Schneibner was pastoring a church in Maine. He was also a pilot for American Airlines. On the morning of September 11th, 2001, he should have been in the cockpit of American Airlines Flight 11— but he was not. 

Schneibner had been scheduled to fly American Airlines Flight 11 on that fateful day, but when he awoke on September 11th he learned that he had been “bumped” by a pilot with more seniority. Little did he know what was about to take place only hours later.

Over the many years, Schneibner has told his story in churches and other venues nationwide.  He honors the memory of Tom McGuinness–the man who sat in the cockpit of Flight 11 when it crashed into the north face of the World Trade Center’s Tower 1 at 8:46 am that day. And with humility and adoration, Schneibner tells about another man–a man who took his place 2,000 years ago and died the death he should have died. 

With strong faith in the providence of God and a biblical worldview, Schneibner shares his feelings of having been spared from death and God’s purpose for leaving him on this earth.  Watch his testimony:

Video clipped for teaching purposes from a much longer message.

Always Remember

NOTE:

On December 13, 2020, we were notified by YouTube that this video would be age-restricted (only 18+ who are logged in to YouTube can view it) .  We have no idea why they would age restrict this.  It is a video tribute to those innocent souls who perished on 9/11/2001 and a reminder that we must always remember them.  It is a moving song and video and it also honors those who put themselves in harm’s way to conduct the search and rescue mission.  Why was it age restricted? Perhaps it was President Bush’s words? Or the video of the planes flying into the towers?  If you have any idea, let us know at hope@reasonsforhopeJesus.com.  The video above is hosted on Vimeo

Click here to read President Bush’s words.

Do You Remember Or Do You Forget?

Excerpt from Why the Butterfly? A Book About Remembering

There are events that are forever etched in our memories, and yet there are others that quickly vanish.  If asked where you were at the moment you heard about the events of September 11, 2001, it’s likely you would quickly respond with details. You would tell of where you were when it happened and the people with whom you shared your shock and sadness concerning the horrific events of that day.  Those who were alive on December 7, 1941 remember another attack on American soil. In fact, Franklin Delano Roosevelt proclaimed the attack on Pearl Harbor as “a date which will live in infamy.”  Events such as those are easily remembered, largely due to memorials held on their anniversaries.  So also, other events that have occurred on the world stage are easily remembered because of historical records. 

Equally, if not more important than remembering national and world news, is remembering the events, people, places,  etc. that touch our lives personally.  They might never be recorded in print or on video, but they have a greater impact on us and far more influence in directing our paths. 

Consider the people, places, and events that you hold dear, those that you count as important and memorable.  Perhaps they evoke precious memories that bring joy to your heart, or maybe they bring to mind memories of pain or sadness.   Whichever it may be, it’s likely those memories continue to have an effect on your life and significantly alter your path.  

Why is Remembering Important?

Our minds are a precious gift from God and we are to use them to reason in God-honoring ways.  Our ability to remember directs our lives, and by allowing our memories to reveal God’s presence and faithfulness we will remember rightly.  Then, when we experience difficult times or times of feeling distant from God, we will remember that He is always there. He is faithful and true and is creating a beautiful mosaic of our lives—a mosaic designed according to His plan, and for His purposes.  

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Learn the skills of rightly remembering, clear vision, and a devoted heart:  Why the Butterfly? A Book About Rightly Remembering

Read more:

Has Anyone Ever Taken Your Place?  An Amazing Account + A 9/11 Tribute 
Remember 9/11 – Cry Out to Jesus – The Answer for All Who Suffer (video tribute)
Why Did the Terrorists Choose 9/11 to Attack?
Who Was the First Victim of 9/11?
The Light in the Darkness of 9/11
What to think this 9/11?
Finding Peace in the Smoke
No Room for Jesus
Always Remember September 11, 2001 ( 9/11 Tribute Video )
A 9/11 Memorial Video Age-Restricted? Why?