Christianity Today

"David totally looked up to his dad," Langone says.

Students from Beamer's Sunday school class and youth group say he also made them a priority.

Jimmy Leonard, a sophomore at Princeton who has known Beamer since high school, says he'll always remember the way Beamer took a personal interest in him. Leonard says Beamer was an example of someone who was true to his faith.

"I have a younger brother in high school now, and he's still kind of starting to think through his beliefs—and he was a little skeptical about Christianity because he saw people who said one thing Sunday but would live differently the rest of the time," Leonard says. "Todd was the only person [he saw] who said something and then lived it. That really stuck with my brother and me."

Leonard Harris, a junior at Rider University in New Jersey, learned the words to Ray Boltz's song "Thank You For Giving To the Lord" in two days so he could sing it at Beamer's memorial service Sunday. Harris says that more than 1,000 people attended the service. About 1,750 people attend the church each Sunday.

Friends say they weren't surprised by Beamer's actions in an emergency. Harris says knowing Beamer was a hero will make it easier to deal with grief.

"We are just so proud of him," Harris says, his voice breaking. "I think that's what's helping Lisa—not just leaning on God, but knowing that Todd never just sat back. It gives me the idea that this isn't as bad as it seems, because Todd was obviously meant to be on that plane."

Copyright © 2001 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Related Elsewhere

Wheaton College has posted a prayer request for members of the Wheaton family who were lost and all those touched by the tragedy.

Coverage of Beamer's heroism and United flight 93 include:

A Sky Filled With Chaos, Uncertainty and True Heroism — The Washington Post (Sept. 17, 2001)

Hero's final phone call — BBC (Sept. 17, 2001)

Flight 93 Hero Heard on Black Box — The Washington Post (Sept. 16, 2001)

The phone line was still open when Todd Beamer said: 'Are you guys ready? Let's roll' — Post-Gazette (Sept. 16, 2001)

Christianity Today's other articles on the attacks include:

The End of the World (Trade Center) | Dispatches from out of the dust. (Sept. 19, 2001)

Was September 11 the Beginning of the End? | Observers say geography and gravity of attacks have led to little prophecy speculation. (Sept. 19, 2001)

With Grief and Anger, the U.S. Mourns Its Losses | A week of official services and impromtu demonstrations follows shocking attacks. (Sept. 18, 2001)

Orthodox Church Near Ground Zero Hopes to Rise Again | Members hope to rebuild 169-year-old structure, which stood only 500 feet from the World Trade Center. (Sept. 18, 2001)

Fire Department Chaplain Dies in the Line of Duty | "Father Mike" is remembered for compassion and always being first on the scene. (Sept. 18, 2001)

Churches Meet Needs at Ground Zero | Brooklyn pastors and parishioners thank God for survival, but help victims and families cope. (Sept. 17, 2001)

Books & Culture Corner: The Imagination of Disaster | "We thought we were invulnerable." Really? (Sept. 17, 2001)

Church Mourns 'Father Frank' | Fond memories comfort those who knew retired priest killed in World Trade Center attack. ? (Sept. 17, 2001)

Taking It Personally | What do we do with all this anger? (Sept. 14, 2001)

'Is That Thunder?' | With metal cracking at the World Trade Center, New York pastors cry out to God. (Sept. 14, 2001)

Shaken Christians Turn to Prayer | Impromptu services usher in the bereaved by word of mouth, road signs, and e-mail. (Sept. 13, 2001)

Christians Provide Comfort in the Shadow of Calamity | Still "stunned and reeling," New Yorkers seek support at prayer service. (Sept. 13, 2001)

Illinois Pastor on Fatal Flight | Jeffrey Mladenik, 43, was involved in workplace ministry, international adoption. (Sept. 13, 2001)

Communication Troubles Challenge U.S. Church Relief Agencies | Aid work continues amid atmosphere of shock, fear, and sporatic harrassment. (Sept. 13, 2001)

Reflections on Suffering | Classic and contemporary quotations for dark times. (Sept. 13, 2001)

When Sin Reigns | An event like this shows us what humans are capable of becoming—both as children of darkness and of light. (Sept. 13, 2001)

In the Belly of the Beast | Christians, calling terrorist attack "satanically brilliant," minister at epicenter of World Trade disaster. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Churches, Agencies Respond to Attacks | Leaders call for prayer, justice, and mercy. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Muslims Fear a Backlash | No matter who is responsible, observers feel a reaction will still be present. (Sept. 12, 2001)

A Wake-Up Call to Become Global Christians | The deadly attacks on America will provoke many responses, but Christians are commanded to love our neighbors. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Nation's Religious Leaders Urge Calm, Pray for Peace | Churches will maintain prayer vigils for victims and leaders. (Sept. 11, 2001)

Church Leaders Around World Deplore 'Unspeakable Horror' of Attack | Christians urged to unite in prayer as they unite in shock and denunciation. (Sept. 11, 2001)

Experts Say Spiritual Roots Will Aid in Coping With Catastrophe | Pray and connect with others, advise nation's chaplains. (Sept. 11, 2001)

Fear and Hate | In times like this, as in all other times, Christians have a responsibility to love above all else. (Sept. 11, 2001)

God's Message in the Language of Events | In the face of evil, we must focus on keeping our hearts right. (Sept. 11, 2001)

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