A Mennonite choir from Pioneer Valley Mennonite Fellowship in Russell, Massachusetts, sings hymns in Zuccotti Park in New York City near World Trade Center on September 11, 2015.
A Vermont-based Mennonite who makes the journey to New York City each Sept. 11 to bring hope and healing to local residents after the terrorist attacks that killed over 3,000 people in 2001, says people seem to become less receptive to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ every year.
Bryan Hess, a member of Green Mountain Mennonite Fellowship in Bennington, joins dozens of other Mennonites each year at the World Trade Center as part of an outreach ministry that includes handing out tracts, singing hymns and distribution of water bottles.
Speaking to The Christian Post on Friday, Hess explained how things have changed in the area since 2001.
“[New Yorkers have become] a lot less receptive than they were in 2001. We used to hand out 20,000 CDs. Where now it’s way less,” said Hess, who believes the events of Sept. 11, 2001, are no longer fresh in people’s minds which is why they aren’t searching for hope the way they were in the years following the tragedy.
“It’s kind of a sad thing. “Why does it take a catastrophe to make people turn to God and seek his face?,” he asked, noting that each year he sees fewer and fewer people in downtown Manhattan commemorating the anniversary of 9/11.
Hess, along with a small Mennonite choir, were planted in Zuccotti Park, just a few blocks away from the World Trade Center. Members of the church, donned in conservative wear with women sporting head coverings, said they’ll keep visiting each 9/11, despite declining interest in their tracts and religious information.
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SOURCE: The Christian Post
Vincent Funaro
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