East District sends Condolences to our friends in USA
In recent days we have all witnessed the most appalling act of terrorism ever perpetrated, the simultaneous bombing of the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, in which many thousands of innocent people lost their lives. The events of 11th September have touched us all deeply, even our youngest Beavers and Cubs have been affected by the enormity of what has happened and have been asking questions, wanting adults to help them try to make some sense of it all. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the injured and bereaved, the families of those who were on the hijacked planes or working in the buildings which were destroyed, and with the emergency services and all those trying in some way to bring a measure of comfort to those affected most deeply by this tragedy.
Perhaps, having endured so much over the last 30 years, the people of Belfast sadly are more able than most to empathise with those across the Atlantic. As a Scouting District within the city of Belfast we wanted to prepare a book of condolence for the people of New York and Washington, made up of a collection of letters, poems, drawings and paintings etc. written and drawn by our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. A small gesture that would help our members to express their feelings and enable us to reach out in friendship and love to show the young people of New York and Washington, who may have lost parents or friends, how much we care and are thinking about them.
The Book of Condolence has now been sent to New York. Below are just a few of the words written by our members and Leaders:
We are very sad and shocked as this is the worst thing we have ever seen. We hope that things get better soon in New York.
We all feel your pain and agony here in Northern Ireland. We know this is a hard time for you, but we are all praying for you and hope these troubles will pass soon.
Dear God, please make the rescue workers have the power to get people out of the rubble. Help the families who have lost loved ones and make sure the rescue workers come out safe….
Please stop the terrorists from launching another attack on the world again.
We are very sad about the disasters in America. We hope that you are going to recover.
We are sorry about the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers. We hope that you find your families.
Dear God, please help the people in America. They need your help.
Dear Lord, our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come on earth as in Heaven. Please help them Father. Amen
Lord Jesus, please be with the people in America and please be with the people who have lost relatives and friends. Please help them not to be sad.
The world has changed since the horrendous events of September 2001, with the large loss of life, especially in New York. We pray for the people that have lost loved ones and believe that God will comfort them.
Make me a channel of Your peace, where there is hatred, let me bring Your love,
Where there is injury, Your pardon Lord, and where there’s doubt true faith in You.
Make me a channel of Your peace, where there’s despair in life let me bring hope,
Where there’s darkness, only light, and where there’s sadness ever joy.
'And God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain' ..Rev.21 vv 3-4
