November 3, 2001 (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org) A couple of days ago I wrote to Jim Barker, who pastors Bible Baptist Church in the New York City area, and asked him if he has seen a change in the attitude of people toward the Gospel since September 11. He has given me permission to publish his reply, as follows:

Dear Bro. Cloud,

Good to hear from you! All is well with the church, thank you. Everyone has been asking the same question and unfortunately my answer would be, "Not much of a change" (cf. Revelation 9:20, 21; 16:11, 21).

The first Sunday after the attack we had a much bigger crowd than usual and four people came forward to get saved. But in the weeks that have followed it has been kind of "getting back to normal." Other pastor friends here in the NYC area tell me the same thing. Some sinners seem shaken up but rather than turn to God they are turning to psychiatrists, drugs and other nonsense.

As you know the RCC has a big grip on this city. Another problem is the "We're New Yorkers -- we're tough" attitude. This is exemplified by Mayor Giuiliani, a very capable leader but a very wicked sinner.

One good trend has been the great interest shown in NY by Christians all over America. The "Somewhere Forever" video people sent us 2,000 free videos. We have given out half of them so far but still have not seen one person get saved from watching it. My wife's RC co-workers (she is a RN and works part time at a nearby hospital) told her they watched it, liked it, prayed the sinner's prayer, etc. but they show no interest in getting right with God and leaving the RCC. Maybe the video needs some repentance added in.

They had a big patriotic "tribute to our heroes" at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan. Christians from all over America came and much money, prayer, tract and flyer distribution, and tremendous effort was put into this meeting. Busloads of Bible college students came to promote the meeting and give out tracts (from BJU, Northland, Ambassador, Crown, etc.) but only a handful of lost people came. It was a nice program but a bit disappointing. New York is a tough town to evangelize!

Here's a nice story: a Marine from my church went down to the WTC on 9-11 and rescued two Port Authority policemen that were buried under twenty feet of rubble. His name is Dave Karnes.

Your friend in NY,
Jim Barker
jbarker4@optonline.net
November 1, 2001