The Story of "9Eleven" by Marq Echols
Since 2015, no matter where I was, I would see 9:11am/pm on the clock. I'm not a superstitious individual… however, I do like the song by Stevie Wonder. I was kind of puzzled over this, so I went to the Lord in prayer.
Our prayers and thoughts still go out to the people affected by the tragedy that happened on September 11, 2001. We all experienced trials and sadness on that day. The world seemed to stop during those days and I heard God instructing me that whenever I saw the time 9:11 to stop and praise Him from 9:11-9:12. My family did the same and even though it was just one minute of praise, we enjoyed every second of that time. After two years of praising God at every 9:11 on the clock, it became effortless. Then I attended the Winter Bible Seminar in Tulsa, Oklahoma and I sensed the Lord telling me to launch a church in South Jersey in 2022.
After talking with a few pastors, I learned that the best time to launch a church was in January or September. I looked at my calendar and the 2nd Sunday in September 2022 was 9-11-2022. That’s when it all made sense. That one minute of praise at 9:11 became clearer and more specific. Then, my wife and I were instructed to praise Him for our church whenever we saw that time, and we continue to do so to this day.
Seeking the Lord on what to name our church, it was there all along. At times we can focus too much on the negative things that are happening in life. When I was prompted to name the church 9Eleven, I admit I first thought of the negativity associated with those numbers. I also remembered during that time, people turned back to God, prayer, and church. Church attendance began to increase as people searched for answers.
We began to hear testimonies and positive things being publicized during that time. It was uplifting to us and we began to see it from a different point of view. We are in a similar time now as we see people returning and rededicating themselves to the things of God. We must realize that during great trials or great victories we still need Him!
I began looking up scriptures and came across Psalm 9:11 that says to sing praises to the Lord and tell the world of His unforgettable deeds. In spite of the tragedy of September 11, people - no matter our backgrounds or differences - came together and focused on building up and helping one another. That’s when the Lord told me if people put their trust and focus on Him and give Him praise, He can turn any trial into triumph. That’s all I needed and that’s how God revealed the name of our church.
9Eleven Church
"God Turns Trials into Triumph"
Donna says
❤thank you for sharing your story
Riena Echols says
Awesome! I knew the story of 9Eleven but enjoyed reading this! Expecting God to do GREAT things through you and the ministry of 9Eleven Church as we keep you, your family and the ministry in prayer! 🙌🏾
9Eleven Church says
Thank you Min Riena! We are thankful for your prayers.
9Eleven Church says
Thank you Donna! Thank you for taking the time to read our story.
Robin says
Wow! Glory to God! Blessings to you and the family as you move out in this assignment. 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
9Eleven Church says
Thank you Robin! We are looking forward to what God has for the Salem County area.
Hattie Sutton says
Thanks for sharing. Thanking God for your vision. Team work makes the vision work. Amen
9Eleven Church says
Yes it does Hattie and thank you for reading our story. God is faithful!!!
Rocki Jackson says
I wanted to hear the story again. So thankful for your obedience and following the vision that God placed in your heart. We are truly excited for you both and can’t wait to see what God unfolds in NJ! 💜
9Eleven Church says
Yes, thank you Rocki we are excited too and we thank God for your prayers and support!
Dwight King says
May God continue to bless you guys and your ministry!
9Eleven Church says
Aye, thanks bro!
Marilyn says
Praise God for your following the call of God to NJ. You & your family`s testimony about 9eleven was inspiring. I was excited when my friend told me about the Bible study.
You did not disappoint! To God be the Glory!!! Your interactive teaching was just what I was believing for from God!!!
You’re confirming the teaching on Faith with multiple Scriptures in the series is great.
9Eleven Church says
Marilyn it was a pleasure meeting you and we look forward to our continual growth in our walk of faith!
Chanel Walker says
Wow! I nearly had tears in my eyes reading this and immediately was confirmed in my spirit that this IS a move of God! So proud of what the Lord is doing through you and your beautiful wife! Praying that a multitude of souls be saved, set free and delivered for the times we live in are indeed an Emergency!
9Eleven Church says
Hi Chanel! God is so good and faithful. We are blessed to hear your words of encouragement and look forward to what God has planned for Salem County. It’s so good to hear from you and thank you!