Employees at the Seventh-day Adventist world headquarters gathered this morning to pray for those impacted by the series of terrorist attacks that hit the United States eastern seaboard this morning, September 11.

“We have been brutally reminded of how fragile our lives are, and how fragile the structures that surround us are,” said Pastor Jan Paulsen, president of the world church. “At this point, with so many questions unanswered, we can only ask for the prayers of every believer around the world, prayers for those who are suffering, for those who have lost loved ones, and for those involved in the rescue efforts.”

“We need our Lord. We desperately need for our Lord to return,” said Paulsen. “He is the only secure future we have.” 

Ted N.C. Wilson, a vice president of the world church, reminded employees that, “The Lord is our safety and our salvation.”  Wilson called for a sense of calmness, saying, “We must pull together under the power of the Holy Spirit.” 

Employees at the Adventist Church world headquarters have been offered the opportunity to leave work to be with family.  Those remaining have been offered pastoral support in centers throughout the building, and have been encouraged to gather in departmental groups to pray.

“Please pray for leaders around the world who are making decisions, even as we speak,” said Paulsen. “They need God’s guidance in making the right decisions.”

Acknowledging that the work of the church may, in ways yet unknown, be impacted by the events of the day, leaders at the church headquarters have said that decisions will be made on an hour-by-hour, day-to-day basis, with “our trust placed firmly in the Lord.” 

Leaders have been quick to assure church employees and church members around the world, however, that the Adventist Church world headquarters has not been affected. The headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Maryland, around 15 miles from downtown Washington, D.C., site of one of the terrorist attacks. [ANN Staff]