4 Aug, 2008

A bridge of death

We can have a bridge to life.

Minn. mourns bridge collapse anniversaryFri Aug 1st, 2008, 9:42 PM ET

It was another perfect summer day so similar to and yet so different from that day a year ago when the Minneapolis freeway bridge fell.

On Aug. 1, 2007, there was crashing and panic and disbelief and horror. On Friday, there were songs and doves and tears and hugs. And then silence, to remember the moment a year ago when the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River during the evening rush hour, killing 13 people and injuring more than 140.

Minnesotans came together for two memorial ceremonies in Minneapolis to mark the anniversary. Hundreds gathered in Gold Medal Park and marched to the whine of bagpipes to the Stone Arch Bridge, just up the Mississippi from the bridge that fell. A new bridge, still under construction, already stands in its place. The red fire truck from Fire Station 11 the first rescuer on the collapse scene led the procession.

Shortly before 6:05 p.m., the time of the collapse, Minneapolis Police Inspector Mike Martin read the names of those who died: Julia Blackhawk. Richard Chit. Paul Eickstadt. Sherry Engebretsen. Peter Hausmann. Patrick Holmes. Greg Jolstad. Vera Peck. Christine Sacorafas. Hana Sahal. Sadiya Sahal. Scott Sathers. Artemio Trinidad-Mena.

Their relatives watched from a riverboat below, hugging and grieving. The Minneapolis Queen sounded its horn for each name. And then the crowd fell silent to honor them. Construction workers on the new bridge unfurled a large American flag, which fluttered in a stiff breeze.

photo courtesy images.google.com & story courtesy mini.mobileplay.com, 8/2/08

1 Timothy 2:5 (CEV)

5There is only one God, and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God. Jesus was truly human, and he gave himself to rescue all of us.

1 Peter 3:18 (NLT)

18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about our need for Jesus to be our bridge to God?

pictures courtesy time4god.com

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?

We don't have to wonder if Jesus' death and resurrection will ever collapse when it comes to providing us forgiveness and bringing us safely to God. Jesus is the Bridge to Life - eternal life!

If you have never become a follower of Jesus, you can do so right now by praying to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and ask Him to come into your life. The following prayer may help you know what to say..

Dear Jesus,

I have sinned against God and I know that my sin keeps me from a relationship with you in this life and in the life after death. Thank you for dying on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins and for rising from the dead to prove that you are the Savior. Please forgive me and come into my life to be my Savior. Take over and lead my life. Thank you for restoring my relationship with God. Thank you for your promise to take me to Heaven some day and live with you and all of God's family forever!

Amen.

Note: If you have become a follower of Jesus, please email us so that we can encourage you and send you some materials to help you grow in your new relationship with God.

How can we connect today's story and God's Story and our story to others who need Jesus?

Use the tragic story of the bridge collapse in Minneapolis to share more of God's Story with those in your storysphere who are "getting it". You can share your story of how you trusted Jesus to be your "bridge to life" and ask others if they are ready to do the same?

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The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

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