Gennelle Guzman McMillan

by Pastor Larry Sorrells, Rockville, Trinity UMC

We recently marked the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy that so rocked our nation. Genelle Guzman McMillan was one of the last persons to be rescued from the collapse of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. She had been trapped in the rubble for 27 hours when at last, firefighters heard her calling and pulled her out. This 30-year-old single mother had only been on the job as a Port Authority clerk for nine months when the terrorists attacked the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

By her own admission, she was a Catholic who had become a “party-girl” and was living with her boyfriend at the time in Brooklyn. But when the North Tower collapsed, Genelle’s thoughts immediately turned to the Lord and her 14-year-old daughter. She prayed that her body would at least be found so that it could be buried. As she lay there, she become bolder, revising her prayer and asking the Lord that if she had to die, that she could at least make it to the hospital so she could see her daughter one last time. But as faith seemed to bubble in her heart, she boldly asked her Heavenly Father to be rescued alive. “I was praying to God: ‘God please save my life. Give me a second chance. I promise I will change my life and do your will.’” Unlike so many who make promises to God in desperate situations, Genelle kept her promise, turned away from her sins and has deepened her walk with the Lord. That’s what true repentance looks like. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. You are always welcome at Trinity and Rockville United Methodist Churches. I hope to see you this Sunday. Blessings.