Xcel Remembers 9/11:
Co-founders Produce MSG Tribute & Pioneer Relief

13,000 gather at Madison Square Garden for the Tribute to Grace and Hope

In a fitting end to a whirlwind year, Xcel co-founders Rev. Richard Del Rio and Jeremy Del Rio co-produced the Tribute to Grace and Hope on the one-year anniversary of 9/11 at New York's most renowned venue, Madison Square Garden. The Tribute drew 13,000 people, and millions more watched live via SkyAngel satellite and on six global rebroadcasts by Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).

Program highlights included hero and survivor testimonies; a 650 voice mass choir; award winning music from Fred Hammond, Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman, Toby Mac, Marcos Witt, and the "Voice of Heroes," NYPD officer Daniel Rodriguez; a gospel presentation; an onsite resource center; and presentations by Governors Pataki (NY) and McGreevey (NJ), Senator Schumer (NY), and professional athletes.

The Tribute was a co-production between local and national partners. Rev. Del Rio co-chaired the Tribute on behalf of the Northeast Clergy Group, with Rev. A. R. Bernard and Rev. Tom Mahairas, while Jeremy served as the event coordinator.

The Tribute concluded a year that began when Rev. Del Rio was one of the first clergy responders to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. His heroic impulse to drive his Harley to Ground Zero moments after the second plane crashed inspired the formation of the Ground Zero Clergy Task Force (GZCTF).

Immediately following 9/11, Jeremy resigned his position as an attorney at Dewey Ballantine LLP to co-found the GZCTF and serve as a consultant to World Vision's $6 million American Families Assistance Fund. Presently, Jeremy serves as the operations director for the GZCTF's parent entity, the Northeast Clergy Group (NEC).

In the 15 months following 9/11, NEC initiated and collaborated on numerous relief efforts including:

9/11 Ministry of Presence

NEC co-convener Rev. Richard Del Rio is widely regarded as the first evangelical minister at Ground Zero on September 11th. Arriving on his motorcycle ten minutes after the second tower collapsed, he was asked to pray with rescue workers on their way into burning buildings, perform last rites over body parts, and search for survivors.

Governor Pataki Turns to NEC for Prayer

The day after 9/11, NY Governor George Pataki visited NEC President Rev. Marcos Rivera at Primitive Christian Church. After praying for the governor, Rev. Rivera negotiated greater access for local ministers to provide spiritual care at Ground Zero.

Ground Zero Clergy Task Force

On 9/13, NEC mobilized the Ground Zero Clergy Task Force (GZCTF), which grew to include 250 ministers from the region and crossed denominational lines. The GZCTF sponsored the outdoor United Prayer Vigil less than one mile from Ground Zero on 9/16, attended by 3,000 people and 70 clergy. Advocated for the creation of the Clergy Crisis Responders program at the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to provide access to Ground Zero, the Great Kills Land Fill, family assistance centers, and respite areas throughout the boroughs. Escorted over three hundred local and national ministry leaders to Ground Zero, including John Maxwell, Anne Graham Lotz, Bill Hybels, and more. Developed uniformed officer outreach programs. Organized a bilingual clergy response to the crash of Flight 587 within one hour of that disaster.

Clergy Training and Support

Provided bilingual critical incidence and post traumatic stress training. Offered debriefing sessions for 9/11 clergy responders and directed them to respite resources including retreat centers, counseling, support groups, and more. Hosted 200 clergy for "Healing the Healers" on December 11, a time of corporate refreshing, worship, and healing.

Ground Zero Relief Fund

In partnership with Northwest Medical Teams and others, NEC has provided over $120,000 in direct financial assistance to underserved victims of the World Trade Center attacks, as well as case management services for over sixty families. The Fund is also providing $100,000 in subsidies to 9/11 victims in need of qualified professional counseling.

Renewal, Restoration & Revival | 2/21/02 | Regent Wall Street Hotel

Three hundred ministry leaders gathered at the Renewal, Restoration, and Revival luncheon at the Regent Wall Street Hotel on February 21, 2002. Anne Graham Lotz reminded them that prayer alone can water the seeds of revival buried at Ground Zero. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Senator Jon Corzine (NJ), Secretary of State Randi Daniels (NY) and others spoke of evangelicals as valuable partners in long-term healing and rebuilding efforts.

www.NetworkNYC.org | www.HealNYC.org

NEC initiated and manages a collaborative internet-based clearinghouse of Christian resources, services, and events at www.NetworkNYC.org or www.HealNYC.org. The website empowers clergy and lay people to match resources to needs as they arise for greater ministry effectiveness.

In addition to their work with the GZCTF and NEC, Rev. Del Rio and Jeremy helped other organizations respond to 9/11 as well. For example, Abounding Grace Ministries, where Rev. Del Rio serves as senior pastor, hosted over 1,000 short-term volunteers from around the country in the year following 9/11, directing them to service opportunities at Ground Zero and throught the City. While with World Vision, Jeremy conceived and designed their million dollar Immigrant's Assistance Program, which provided grants averaging $1,000 to 1,000 underserved immigrant victims of the attacks.

Rev. Del Rio & NEC co-convener Rev. Marc Rivera praying for Mayor Bloomberg (L).
Jeremy offering "Thanks to Heroes" at 9/11 Tribute (R).

Read "A View from Ground Zero" for Jeremy's reflections
immediately following his first visit to Ground Zero.