Sermon Illustrations

This week we are hearing stories both repeated, and updated in print, on TV, over the radio, and on the Internet about the tragic events of a year ago. TV cameras and microphones are again going to be pointed in the faces of survivors and surviving family members who will again relive in the public eye the events of September 11, 2001 and the impact on their lives.

One such story that I hope is told is that of Al Braca. Al Braca worked on the 105th floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center. He worked for a company whose tremendous loss of life was one of the first stories reported in the aftermath of September 11th. The company was Cantor Fitzgerald. Al was a corporate bond trader for Cantor Fitzgerald. But Al Braca was also a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

In the Focus on The Family magazine article where I learned about Al, it was reported that he really did not like his job. I quote, “It was a world so completely out of touch with his Christian values. But he wouldn’t quit. He was convinced that God wanted him to stay there, to be a light in the darkness." The article also indicated that his co-workers often mocked him for his beliefs. But, when there was a personal problem, those same co-workers came to Al for prayer and counsel.

Al’s body was one of the many found in the rubble of Tower One. And after that discovery, reports began to trickle in from various sources that some people on the 105th floor made "a last call or sent a final e-mail to a loved one saying that "a man" was leading people in prayer. A few referred to Al by name." The article goes on to say, "When he realized that they were all trapped in the building and would not be able to escape, Al shared the gospel with a group of 50 co-workers and led them in prayer."

Al Braca came to faith in Christ through the trying...

Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)

Related Sermon Illustrations

  • The Church Is Like Noah's Ark: The Stench Inside ...  PRO

    Contributed by Lynn Floyd on Jul 29, 2003
    based on 6 ratings
     | 18,176 views

    “The church is like Noah’s ark: The stench inside would be unbearable if it weren’t for the storm outside. It’s true—sometimes we stink and the world is stormy. But as imperfect as we are on this side of heaven, the miracle is that God in fact chooses to ...read more

  • In 1829 A Man Named George Wilson Was Arrested ...

    Contributed by Bruce Willis on Dec 29, 2006
    based on 3 ratings
     | 12,839 views

    In 1829 a man named George Wilson was arrested for robbery and murder in a US mail heist. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. Some friends intervened on his behalf and were able to obtain his pardon from President Andrew Jackson. But when told of this, Wilson refused it ...read more

  • Like Bill Hybels, I Believe That There Is Nothing ...  PRO

    Contributed by Jim Kane on May 25, 2004
    based on 8 ratings
     | 5,569 views

    Like Bill Hybels, I believe that there is nothing like the local church when it is working right. In addition, I agree with what he says after that sentence: “Its beauty is indescribable. Its power is breathtaking. Its potential is unlimited. It comforts the grieving and heals the broken in the ...read more

  • A.w. Tozer Writes, "Whoever Will Listen Will Hear ...  PRO

    Contributed by Richard Wafford on Nov 24, 2004
    based on 2 ratings
     | 3,523 views

    A.W. Tozer writes, "whoever will listen will hear the speaking heaven. This is definitely not the hour when men take kindly to an exhortation to listen, for listening is not today a part of popular religion. We are at the opposite end of the pole from there. Religion has accepted the monstrous ...read more

  • Finding Nemo

    Contributed by Darrin Hunt on Feb 5, 2007
    based on 1 rating
     | 3,076 views

    Many of you have seen the movie, “Finding Nemo”. •It’s a powerful story of the love and determination of a caring father. •It’s the story of being lost, and then found. •It’s a story that can help us understand our Heavenly Father and His love for us. In the movie, Nemo’s father Marlin loved ...read more

Related Sermons