BETTER TOGETHER | “I’m Going to Heaven;
Who’s Going With Me?”
By Dr. Eddie Moody
As we approach the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, it is important to remember one of the heroes from that day. Every Christian should be aware of certain lives. Some are found in the Bible, especially Hebrews 11. Others are part of modern history like Jim Elliot and Nate Saint. I think Al Braca falls into that category.
Braca may have seemed an ordinary man, but God used him to do something extraordinary. Many, including me, have shared his story and written about him. Recently, I learned former Free Will Baptist missionary Charolette Tallent was friends with Al and was a guest at his home the day he died. Do you know Al’s story? It’s important to know it and share it, especially considering the challenges we face today.
Al Braca (below) lived in Leonardo, New Jersey, with his wife Jean. His daughter became ill, and through the process of that illness, Al and Jean met the Lord. Al believed the Lord healed his daughter of a rare blood disease. He became a deacon and was put in charge of discipling new believers at his church.
Al’s job as a corporate bond broker and vice president for Cantor Fitzgerald was hard. People in his workplace often were hostile toward him because of his faith. They picked on him and called him “The Rev.” At times, they put offensive pictures on his computer. He wanted to leave but became convinced God wanted him to stay. (You can hear the whole story from Charolette on “My Friend Al Braca” on the Better Together Podcast.)
Other times, people brought their problems to Al, and he prayed for them. He also helped people during the first bombing of the World Trade Center, and his actions drew much attention.
On September 11, 2001, Al was working on the 104th floor of World Trade Center Tower 1. None of the Cantor Fitzgerald employees at work that day survived. After the first plane hit the tower at 8:45 a.m., several Cantor Fitzgerald employees called their loved ones and said their goodbyes.
Many told their families they were okay; they had prayed with Al. It has been reported that Al got up on his desk and said, “I’m going to Heaven; who is going with me?” Many calls and emails indicate Al led a prayer meeting and shared Christ with more than 50 people.
What can we learn from Al’s story?
While it is difficult to live and work in a secular culture, we should expect it, accept it, and embrace the opportunity to be salt and light in darkness (Matthew 5:11-16).
We must persevere by living out our faith, even when no one seems to listen or respond favorably (Galatians 6:9). On September 11, 2001, Al had been working at Cantor Fitzgerald for 16 years with limited impact.
Be ready when the opportunity arises to share the gospel (1 Peter 3:14-16). At 10:29 a.m., World Trade Center Tower 1 collapsed. That’s 104 minutes after the plane hit it. Al was ready for that moment and shared the Lord with his co-workers.
See the big picture. Much more is at stake than our happiness or comfort in our daily activities. The God who sees and knows all is always working, so we must look for opportunities to point people to Him. We are His instruments, His tools for something greater than ourselves.
