Today I
encountered a story told by Franklin Graham of a remarkable missionary and the
timeliness of his preaching through the terror of a plane crash. Graham writes:
“Traveling in
Ethiopia brought to mind a man I met there and got to know in the 1980s. Andy
Meakins was a gentle giant of the faith, an Englishman who loved Jesus Christ
and served Him in Africa for many years. In 1996 an Ethiopian Airlines flight
was hijacked and crashed into the ocean just off the Comoros Islands after
running out of fuel—you may have heard the story. The dramatic moment of impact
was caught on home video and broadcast around the world. Only later did we learn
of something even more dramatic happening in the cabin as the plane headed for
disaster.
Andy Meakins and
his wife were on that plane, seated together. The hijackers demanded to be
flown to Australia even though there wasn't nearly enough fuel for that distance.
As they neared the Comoros Islands in the Indian Ocean, one engine flamed out,
and the pilot told passengers that the remaining engine would soon run out of
fuel as well. Immediately, Andy's wife heard the snap of a seat belt being
unbuckled and turned to see her husband stand up.
"Many of us might die in this crash," he called out,
"so there's something you need to know." Andy then began explaining
the gospel simply and urgently, moving to each part of the cabin so that
everyone would hear. He invited people to place their trust in Jesus Christ in
repentance and faith. A flight attendant heard Andy's words, bowed her head,
and asked Jesus to forgive her sins and come into her heart. She watched many
more respond and, along with another survivor, later told the story. Of the 175
people on board, 125 died, including Andy, who was still on his feet preaching
the gospel as the plane hit the water.”
There is no time,
nor place where reaching out to others with the plain truth of the Gospel is
inappropriate and not needed. Pray that
God will give you a passion for sharing the Good News at any time and anywhere
and a sense of urgency as well. That’s
living right and righteous living!
"I want to live right that God may
use me,
at any time or anywhere . . ."
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