3000 SAVED BY ONE MAN’S WORK!
Twenty years after the horrific events that occurred on September 11th 2001, the world is still traumatised by what took place that day. Many could have never anticipated that such barbaric attacks could have ever occurred on America soil. But there was one individual who did. Rick Rescoria. Born in the English town of Hayle in Cornwall; Rescoria served in both the British and American armed forces. Returning home from Vietnam, Rescoria retired from the army to work in corporate security. Experience in this field led him in 1985 to secure a job with Morgan Stanley Bank who were based in the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center (WTC) complex. Rescoria was concerned about an attack on the World Trade Centre after the Lockerbie bombing in 1988, subsequently commissioning a full assessment on the trade centres’ security. The assessment found weak spots in the WTC underground carpark that terrorists could easily exploit. Rescoria suggested to the Port Authority of New York that there should be greater security around the WTC. These suggestions were deemed too expensive until the bomb attack by radical Muslims on the WTC in 1993. Rescoria now came to prominence amongst his employer Morgan Stanley Bank, who occupied 22 floors of the South Tower. Rescoria advised the bank that they should vacate the twin towers for somewhere safer to base their operations, fearing that terrorists would target the WTC. Given that Morgan Stanley’s lease didn’t expire until 2006, the suggestion was dismissed. This led to Rescoria turning his attention to a staff evacuation drill in the event of an attack. His office was on the 44th floor of the south tower. Rescoria’s frequent monthly fire drills annoyed some high powered managers who didn’t like their day disrupted but Rescoria insisted and timed the employee’s descent two by two. If they were too slow he made them repeat it. But the repetitive routines of Rescoria would soon be unexpectedly put into action. .
At 8:46 a.m. on the morning of September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Hearing the blast, Rescoria saw the tower burning from his office. Port authorities released an announcement over the tanoy to the people in the South Tower to stay at their desk, informing them that they were not in danger. Rescoria ignored the order and ordered 3000 staff out of the South Tower at once. After seeing them all out he went back in. Rescoria was ordered to evacuate just as the second plane hit the South Tower but he stated he wouldn’t leave, “until I’m sure everyone is out.” The last thing he said to his wife on his phone was, “I love you.” Rick Rescoria was last seen on the 10th floor going up and his remains were never found.
A fascinating and touching story of love, sacrifice and a great plan of salvation. 3000 people all were saved through the work of one man. Whilst not attempting to diminish or belittle Rescoria’s heroic work on September 11th, but the events on " 9/11" continue to be a solemn reminder of how quickly men and women can face eternity. The story of Rick Rescoria illustrates beautifully the love and sacrifice of another man: Jesus Christ. He came into this world to die and give his life a ransom for all. Sacrificing himself willingly on the cross for the whole of humanity’s sins is the work that has saved millions who have placed their personal trust in Him. In Acts 2:41 we read that 3000 souls were saved in one day by trusting Jesus Christ. People trusted Rick Rescoria that day even though they couldn’t see him but heard his word, “Out!” Jesus said one day, “I am the door; by me if any man enter, in he shall be saved” (John 10:9)
Trust Christ today, and receive salvation now.
The Bible says “Behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation.”
At 8:46 a.m. on the morning of September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Hearing the blast, Rescoria saw the tower burning from his office. Port authorities released an announcement over the tanoy to the people in the South Tower to stay at their desk, informing them that they were not in danger. Rescoria ignored the order and ordered 3000 staff out of the South Tower at once. After seeing them all out he went back in. Rescoria was ordered to evacuate just as the second plane hit the South Tower but he stated he wouldn’t leave, “until I’m sure everyone is out.” The last thing he said to his wife on his phone was, “I love you.” Rick Rescoria was last seen on the 10th floor going up and his remains were never found.
A fascinating and touching story of love, sacrifice and a great plan of salvation. 3000 people all were saved through the work of one man. Whilst not attempting to diminish or belittle Rescoria’s heroic work on September 11th, but the events on " 9/11" continue to be a solemn reminder of how quickly men and women can face eternity. The story of Rick Rescoria illustrates beautifully the love and sacrifice of another man: Jesus Christ. He came into this world to die and give his life a ransom for all. Sacrificing himself willingly on the cross for the whole of humanity’s sins is the work that has saved millions who have placed their personal trust in Him. In Acts 2:41 we read that 3000 souls were saved in one day by trusting Jesus Christ. People trusted Rick Rescoria that day even though they couldn’t see him but heard his word, “Out!” Jesus said one day, “I am the door; by me if any man enter, in he shall be saved” (John 10:9)
Trust Christ today, and receive salvation now.
The Bible says “Behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation.”