This September 11, 2017 - 16 years after the deadly terrorist attack that forever changed our nation - the faith-based movement In God We Trust (IGWT) aims to counter fear with faith by mobilizing hundreds of thousands of Christians to fast, repent, and pray for the safety of the U.S.
To achieve this end, IGWT, a coalition of broadcasting networks, statesmen, and denominational leaders, will host a TV special called "In God We Trust - 9/11 Triumph from Tragedy."
Don Black, president and CEO of Cornerstone Television Network, told The Gospel Herald he was inspired to redeem 9/11 after learning that radical Islam celebrates it as a day of celebration. It's time, he says, for the Church to take a stand.
"This movement came out of a passion that I believe was Holy Spirit driven," he said. "Our nation was attacked by radical Islam - we were attacked by murderous, evil hatred. It was a dark, spiritual force. It was not only an attack on the U.S., it was an attack on the Church. Unfortunately, the Church has let this thing be in the background, we've put it behind us. In reality, we need to rise up and stand in faith."
The Cornerstone special, which will run at various times throughout the day, will feature a number of influential pastors and leaders, including Gov. Mike Huckabee, Alveda King, and Dr. Pat Robertson, and will be hosted by CCM artist and actress Jaci Velasquez.
"We believe that hundreds of thousands of people will gather together virtually to pray, fast, and repent - it's a spiritual rising together in unity to redeem that day," Black explains. "It sets the tone in our nation from a spiritual perspective."
Black is encouraging participants to pray "targeted prayers", which he defines as specific, non-generic prayers over the country's leadership.
"Pray for our country's leaders to be illuminated, for their eyes to be opened, for people to be brought to Christ around them, for them to be courageous in the face of adversity," he said.
Additionally, the group intends to present President Trump with a petition signed by 100,000 Christian citizens, asking him to issue a Presidential Proclamation designating 9/11 as an official day of prayer, fasting, and repentance. So far, the petition has over 85,000 signatures.
"Asking President Trump to join us by declaring it a national day of prayer is just kind of the icing on the cake," Black told GH. "No president has done that since Woodrow Wilson nearly 100 years ago. We've had days of prayer, but we're calling for targeted prayers based on the 2nd Chronicles model: 'If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will heal their land.'"
He added, "If the president does that, it'll be a great thing - but it doesn't change what we believe the Lord is calling us to do."
Ultimately, Black hopes "In God We Trust - 9/11 Triumph from Tragedy" serves as a wake-up call for the Church - all groups and denominations.
"If our world is dark, if our country keeps getting darker, that means the Church isn't shining the light of the gospel," he explained. "Now is the time. This is urgent. If we keep sliding, if we keep ignoring and letting it go one more year, then what happens? This is just a line in the sand."
"Our nation was founded on biblical roots, no matter what the progressives say or their twist on history," he continued. "We were founded by men and women who were God-fearing and God-seeking. We can't lose sight of our roots and our history. We need to get on God's plan. It's time for us to unite and stand firm on the truth. Let's see what God's gonna do."
The special can be viewed and the petition signed online at http://www.ingodwetrust.tv and www.facebook.com/CornerstoneTV.
