Not long ago, a three-year-old boy saved his mother’s life by dialing 911 when she suddenly fell into a coma. The little boy had been playing with his toys beside her when she collapsed. At first, he cried in shock, but then he remembered what his mother had taught him:

“If there’s a fire or something happens and Mommy or Daddy can’t help, call 911.”

Through tears, the child called and said, “My mommy is sick! My mommy is sick!” That call ended up saving his mother’s life.

I, too, remember times when I had to call 911. The first time was about ten years ago, on the very first day we moved from a quiet countryside town to Queens, New York. In the country, houses were spaced far apart, each one with its own distinct look, easy for visitors to find. But in Queens, the parsonage we moved into was surrounded by rows of nearly identical houses—confusing to anyone, especially for those of us new to the city.

As we were unloading boxes, I suddenly realized that my mother and my youngest son, barely a year old, were nowhere to be found. I thought, They’ll be back any moment, but as the hours passed, worry consumed me. Nearly four hours had gone by. My mother, who had recently arrived from Korea and spoke no English, had taken my son in his stroller. Neither of them knew the new address. Panic set in. We stopped unpacking and drove around desperately searching, but even we felt lost among the unfamiliar streets.

Finally, we decided to call 911. To my dismay, the line was busy every time I tried. My heart sank. Just then, from outside, I suddenly heard my mother’s humming—light and calm—and the clear, birdlike voice of my son. They had simply gone to explore the new neighborhood and had spent time in a nearby park. Although we didn’t receive help through 911 that day, I still felt comfort knowing that if needed, help was just a call away.

The second time I called 911 was also because of my mother. While playing on the swing with my son in the backyard, she fell and injured her back so badly that she couldn’t move. I dialed 911, and within five minutes an ambulance arrived. Four paramedics skillfully lifted her and carried her to the hospital where she received immediate care. Once again, I realized how deeply grateful I was for the existence of 911 in our society.

Every day, thousands of people rely on 911—not only to receive urgent help or save lives, but also to prevent or solve crimes. For those in distress, 911 is nothing short of a lifeline, protecting both lives and property. It is one of the first things children are taught in school: how to call 911. Truly, it is a privilege for all citizens of this country.

But life reminds us that we also need a spiritual 911. There are countless times when our souls face emergencies—yet some people stubbornly endure, relying only on their own strength, even as their spiritual breath fades. How tragic this is! For when that final breath is gone, there will be no second chance. Still, many continue to live in bitterness, sorrow, and resentment, suffering from a deadly illness of the soul.

Yet I have also seen believers who, day or night, without hesitation, cry out in their time of need—laying aside pride, admitting weakness, and asking for help. And in doing so, they find themselves holding onto the lifeline of God Himself. Those who grasp this lifeline are not only saved, but often become rescuers themselves, helping others in spiritual distress.

When humanity fell in the Garden of Eden, God had already installed a heavenly 911. Anyone who bends the knee in prayer and calls upon Him will receive an answer. He not only rescues us from sin and despair but also guides us to live a happy, beautiful life. We don’t need to complicate things or be crushed under worry. Like that little boy who called 911 for his mother, we only need to cry out with the simple urgency of faith:

“God, I’m hurting. Please help me! My dreams are broken. Lord, save me!”

And He will come—rushing to us, accompanied by His angels, to rescue our souls and restore our lives.

Remember: Heaven’s 911 is always ready, today and every day, for you and me. Never hesitate to call. Prayer is the lifeline that connects our fragile lives to the power of Heaven.