On September 11, 2001, the world was shaken by the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.The following Sunday, America saw record attendance at church, surpassing the crowds of Christmas and Easter. People are craving God like they haven't in a long time. Friends, co-workers and relatives who never asked you about your faith are now asking you TOUGH questions, like why did God let this happen. So where do you begin with answers? Start by reading these pointers below.

Witness with your actions. More than ever before, now's the time to let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Yeah, that's easier to say than to do, but when someone asks you, "Why aren't you freaking out?", it's great to be able to say, "because I know God is with me where-ever I go. Joshua 1:9 is a great verse to share, especially with youngsters.

Hold Your Tongue. It's not a good time to say things like "God took his protective hand off of us", or "the sin in America brought this on". Even if you feel that there is truth to that, remember the words of Romans 2:4, how it's the kindness of God that brings man to repentance. Now is the time to give people a taste of God's love and grace. In other words, serve up the "comfort food of Christianity" to your hurting co-workers and friends. Give them a healthy dose of God's love and grace.

Let Love Rule in Your Heart, Not Hate. While feeling anger is probably normal at times like this, feeling hate is not. The Bible is clear that God does not want anyone to perish. If you have excessive anger for those responsible for what happened--anger that you can't shake-- or hatred in any way, get on your knees now. It's time to share the Love of God with yourself!

Listen More Than You Talk. Find out your friend's fears. Did they lose a loved one in this crisis? Did they lose a job? These pains are real. Don't belittle them with a verse like Romans : 28, "All good comes to those who love God...". At times like these, verses like that can be salt on open wound. Instead, let them know that God will be with them and can give them courage to deal with their situation.

Take Action. James 1:27 reminds us how the church is to aid the widow and the orphan in their distress. Think, how can your church or group help those in need? Have a bake sale where the money goes to those hurt by the disaster. If someone in your church or community was hit by a layoff, make them meals. Have your church start a support group for those recently unemployed, or for those still in shock about what's going on.

Do Some Bible Thumping. Many will ask you questions regarding basic Christianity principles that you know the answers to, but you just can't locate quickly in your Bible! Refresh yourself with your favorite scripture, as well as the verses that have helped you out in your times of need. If you are trying to comfort someone who is Jewish, stick to verses that are in their Scripture, that is, from the Old Testament. You will find much comfort in the Psalms of David or prayers of Jeremiah.

Remind Those in Fear that you Will be Praying for Them. Pray for their immediate needs and fears. Pressuring them to say the "sinner's prayer" could make your efforts seem anything but sincere. Instead, you might want to leave them with a thought to ponder, like, if they know without a doubt that they have eternal life if their physical life ended today. .And be sure to let them know that you will continue to pray for them. Be sure to keep in touch and ask them about their prayer requests.

I'm a Pre-liever. Even if someone is ready for a relationship with Christ, they might not be ready for church. Instead of focusing on getting them into church, focus on getting them into the Bible first. Challenge them to read it backwards, meaning starting with the index in the back, and studying subjects that are near their heart. As you start studying the Bible together, invite this person to your church's Bible study or study group. There are more ways to get someone into a church than through the front doors on Sunday at 11 am!

Conclusion. It's important during these times when friends, co-workers, neighbors and relatives are searching for answers, that we give them a healthy dose of Christ's love. And above all, be sincere. Let them know how Christ was a big part of your life before September 11, how He helped you with the little things life tossed you as well as the big.

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