REJOICE WITH US as we commemorate God's faithfulness
one year after the plane accident of April 26, 2008
Below, our team members who experienced the trauma of a plane crash in South Sudan last year share their reflections of God's goodness through this experience. Take time to read the attachment & rejoice with us.
REFLECTIONS by Barb Hartwig – ministering in Doro, South Sudan
April 26th, 2008, I was anxious to be on my way home for furlough. On takeoff, the plane got up to tree top height, but went into an aerodynamic stall. The plane flipped over in a gully at the end of the airstrip. Miracles: we just missed a big baobab tree on the ground; the way the plane flipped nose to tail meant no fuel leakage and no fire; an unknown Sudanese man appearing soon afterwards to cut Sandy’s seatbelt and carry her out of the plane; a UN helicopter came to evacuate us out of Doro to Malakal that evening; a retired SIM hand surgeon temporarily in Kenya operated on my hand; etc.
I have had three other close calls in Africa over these years, but this was the first time I was injured. If this was some kind of test of endurance or commitment to work in South Sudan, then I conclude that I am even deeper committed to do just that.
This miraculous survival gains more perspective for me because just 25 days earlier at Doro, we had the sudden tragic event of (missionary) Dr. David Masters’ death. There was no evacuation or survival that dark night in a hot tent. God’s sovereignty in whether we live or die has been brought home to me this past year anew as I have reflected often on both of these events. We must be ready to live or die, and count it God’s will for some purpose when things go wrong. The devil would try to thwart us from serving God. But in the end, victory and glory belong to our heavenly Father when we carry on no matter what.
REFLECTIONS by Claire Meckler – ministering in Malakal, South Sudan
As I reflect on the events of April 26/08 I continue to be very, very grateful(!) and amazed(!) that I had NO serious head or spinal injury. By the Lord's mercy I can still move, walk, talk, think, live, and serve Him. Because my life was spared, I am now able to continue to seek to help people of Southern Sudan learn to love the God who watches over and cares for them as well.
I am re-reading the book by Rick Warren, "The Purpose Driven Life." Because God has granted me an extension of my life, I feel He certainly has purposes for me to fulfill-- and I am driven by grace to maximize whatever gift of days are remaining. I've personally re-titled this chapter of my life with the prayer for it to be "Grace Driven, Purpose Filled" to capture more vividly the attitude of gratitude that motivates me--
"...Be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart, for consider what great things He has done for you." (I Samuel 12:26) I can be whole hearted, not simply because I am whole bodied, but because I serve an awesome God worthy of all my heart and soul, mind and strength.
REFLECTIONS by Debbie Sardo – currently in the U.S. for physiotherapy treatment
The plane took off for my return to Thiangrial. Who would have ever thought several hours later, I would be wondering if I was going to live, or if I was ever going to be able to walk again. As I realized that the plane was going to crash, there were two immediate thoughts that came to mind: “I am probably never going to see my family again on this earth” and “this is really going to hurt”. Then God’s peace that passes all understanding covered me. His mighty hand was upon us. We were on Holy ground.
There have been giants I have had to face: being able to fly again & the healing of my body. But I do not face them alone; I face them with God. Was this a test of faith or endurance? I can’t answer that question but I have committed my life to my Lord and Savior, and said to Him “whatever, wherever and whenever, Lord.”
My commitment to serve God in Sudan (or wherever He leads) is even stronger than it was before. Satan will try anything to stop the advancement of God’s Kingdom, but he can’t win. In Jesus name I will press on until the day He takes me home. I have been able to join Jesus in His suffering and I would not ask for anything in the last year to be different, As I continue to heal, I embrace the pain and thank God. I have seen more of Jesus and grown closer to Him. Even when things in my world rock, my foundation (Jesus) never waivers. His Word sustains me and His grace is sufficient!
