“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” -Hebrews 13:16
In the hit Broadway musical Come from Away, stories are told of the amazing people of Gander, Newfoundland. Through their hospitality and kindness, people from around the world are welcomed and cared for on the morning of September 11, 2001.
Because of the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania that morning, all air traffic was grounded in the United States. All international flights were either sent back to their originating airports or redirected to a new location, outside of the United States. Thirty-eight large airliners were redirected to the small community of Gander, located on the far northwestern edge of Canada. The small community of just under 10,000 would now welcome 7,000 new guests.
For the next several days, the people of Gander opened their doors to care for those who had come from away. One of the amazing people that landed in Gander that day was Beverley Bass. Beverley Bass was a pilot for American Airlines. In fact, she was the first female pilot for American Airlines. In the Broadway musical, Beverley’s story is told alongside that of the wonderful people of Gander.
When the tragic events of 9/11 changed the world, the people of Gander changed the lives of the 7,000 stranded guests, including Beverly Bass. Beverly makes it a point to attend as many performances of the show as she can. It reminds her of the powerful experience she had with the people who worked so hard to bless her and all who had come from away.
In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Beverly Bass was asked why she attended so many shows and why she had developed a friendship with those in the Gander and the cast. She offered this brief explanation. “In the midst of one of the most terrifying tragedies, they showed us the other side of humanity. Friendships were made that will last a lifetime.”
How we treat others makes all the difference. For Beverly Bass, her world had been turned upside down. The hospitality of the people of Gander helped to remind Beverly Bass that there was more going on in the world on that day than terror. When we offer hospitality and kindness to those experiencing troubles, we will remind others that love and hope are far greater than any tragedy we may experience.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
