Flight Plan : Ghana

Flight Plan

Over the past 14 months I have achieved a new “status” with Star Alliance airlines. The year took me more than 100,000 miles, and not “as the crow flies!” We have shared the Good News with over 50,000 people! However, this “status” does not cure boredom, assure or afford upgrades, or much of anything besides a pat on the back, an introduction when I board the aircraft, and the ability to sit in the lounge while I wait at airports around the globe. The night before I leave on any given mission, I try and watch a mundane movie to take my mind off the long hours of flying discomfort, knee strain and general complaints awaiting me the next day.

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20

“Flight Plan” happened to be my movie of choice before beginning my February 2006 trip to Ghana. The story: a woman, a big plane, and a missing child. The crew proceeds to try and deal with her hysteria, her knowledge of the plane (she helped design it) and of course the daughter no one else has seen. Is she crazy? Grieving over the death of her husband? Has she been taking drugs? Many of the celluloid passengers just stared and gave dirty looks at the inconvenience of having to stay strapped in while the plane was searched. They even applauded when she was put in handcuffs and led back to her seat. The tension mounts as she escapes - causes even more inconvenience and the big “reveal!” The FBI agent was plotting all along to extort $50 million dollars! Clever, yes, but he underestimated the women's passion to find her lost daughter. I am reminded of our Master's lesson and passion – the Shepherd leaves the 90 and 9 to find the one.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. I know He has more passion than an Academy Award winning actress playing out grief and despair in a made-up movie. I know because He says He does, and I have seen His passion in a thousand faces across the globe. As well acted and dramatized as the scenes were (a mother grieving for a lost child), the loss and sadness our Father feels is so much greater. So great is His desire to search for the lost and broken in the world - He shared His passion through “gifts” – calling saints to the Harvest Fields to labor and toil, to show His love and to tell of His sacrifice. We can be assured, the King will not stop until all who are called hear His voice and respond. I plan to keep going right to the end.

I may fly with “status” but I soar on the wings of your prayers!

He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; BUT those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31