A Message of Love
from
Rev. Dr. David H. Benke
and
The Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
A Prayer for America: September 23, 2001

Oh, we're stronger now than we were an hour ago.
And you know, my sisters and brothers, we're not nearly
as strong as we're going to be.  And the strength
we have is the power of love. And the power of love you have
received is from God, for God is love. So take the hand of one
next to you now and join me in prayer on this
"field of dreams" turned into God's house of prayer:

O Lord our God, we're leaning on You today. 
You are our Tower of Strength, and we're leaning on You.
You are our Mighty Fortress, our God who is a Rock;
 in You do we stand. Those of us who bear the name of Christ know that
You stood so tall when You stooped down to
send a Son through death and life to bring us back together,
and we lean on You today.

O Tower of Strength, be with those who mourn the loss of loved ones;
bring them closer to us day by day.

O Heavenly Father, we pray at this time that
You might extend Jacob's ladder for those who ascended
the stairways to save us, as others escaped the fire and flames.

O Tower of Strength, open innocent and victimized hearts
to the sacrifice of the Innocent One; pour Your consolation
upon the traumatized, especially our children.

O Heavenly Father, un-bind, un-fear, un-scorch, un-sear our souls;
renew us in Your free Spirit. We're leaning on You, our Tower of Strength.
We find our refuge in the shadow of Your shelter.

Lead us from this place--strong--to bring forth the
power of Your love, wherever we are.  
In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

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August 1 , 2002

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

David Benke, known by us at St. Peter's as "Pastor B," and millions more heard and believe in the words of love contained in his prayer for all people on September 23, following the enormous tragedy suffered in New York on September 11, 2001. His words and his presence, giving clear Christian witness, exemplify the foundation upon which stands the largest growing District in new members and mission starts in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. St. Peter's, the Atlantic District and Rev. Dr. David Benke are all about mission and ministry. St. Peter's, the Atlantic District and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod need Pastor Benke ON the LCMS clergy roster and OFF his unwarranted suspension. He needs to be free to pray, free to serve, free to lead. It's OK to Pray!

Please, help that to happen by your prayers, and by demonstrating your generous support today!

In Christ,

Sonia Holder, President
St. Peter's Lutheran Church
Atlantic District – LCMS

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Please complete the form below, detach and return to the address provided.

____ I/We support Rev. Dr. David H. Benke and his message of love as delivered on September 23, 2002 at Yankee Stadium.

Name_____________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip_______________________________________________________

Telephone_________________________________

E-mail____________________________________

Congregation________________________________________________________

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____ I/We wish to support Rev. Dr. David H. Benke's leadershp of St. Peter's Lutheran Church and its advocacy of mission and ministry as exemplified by Pastor Benke. I/We understand that the fund is for expenses only, and that any remainder will be used for missions. I will make my tax deductible donation payable to: 

"David H. Benke Advocacy & Defense Fund"
c/o St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church
105 Highland Place
Brooklyn, New York 11208-1222

My/Our donation is in the amount of:

$50______ $100______ $250_______ $500______ $1,000______ Other $________

Thank you for your support!

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