At times, an unexpected call interrupts the calm of a Sabbath morning—asking us to put our faith into action. As a missionary pilot serving remote areas, I’ve come to recognize these moments as sacred opportunities to serve others, even when they come at personal cost. This is the story of how, on one unforgettable Sabbath, a critical emergency led to a flight that saved a life. A 13-year-old boy in critical condition — and a family clinging to hope — needed help. What began as a routine flight turned into something far greater: a glimpse of God’s power through faith, service, and aviation.
A Quiet Sabbath Morning Interrupted
Sabbath morning dawned bright and beautiful.
“Thank You, Lord, for my beautiful family,” I thought as I sat down to a delicious breakfast with my son and wife. However, the buzzing of my phone broke the serenity of the moment—a call that would change the course of the day.”
A Life-Threatening Emergency
The doctor said, “Captain, I know it’s your Sabbath, but this young man is in critical condition.”
I glanced at my son and knew the answer. I accepted the flight.
As a Seventh-day Adventist missionary pilot, I believe the Sabbath is a time to do good — as Jesus did. Moreover, I’ve always held the conviction that no one should suffer needlessly, especially when help is within reach. That day, my decision to fly may have saved a life.
Preparing for the Mission Flight
My nurse and I quickly met at the hangar. A young life was depending on us. After completing our safety checks and praying together, we took off. Our destination was a remote airstrip, over an hour away by air.
Risk vs. Hope: A Difficult Decision
When we arrived, the medical team reported that the boy’s condition was guarded. Flying him came with serious risks — but staying put could cost him his life. Finally, after a final series of evaluations, the team gave us the go-ahead. Time was running out. The weight of the situation was not lost on me.
A Prayer-Filled Journey
To our great relief — and in answer to prayer — the boy remained stable throughout the flight. Finally, when we touched down and handed him over to the next medical team, I breathed a quiet prayer:
“Keep him safe, Lord.”
It’s a prayer I whisper after every mission. In our line of work, we rarely get to see what happens next. We simply do our part, and trust God with the rest.
An Unexpected Reunion
Later that evening, after a full day of flying, we returned to the same town. We were tired and ready to rest, but my nurse turned to me with a gentle suggestion.
“I’ve been in touch with the parents, Cap. It would mean the world to them if you stopped by.”
“Let’s do it,” I replied without hesitation.
Witnessing a Miracle
When we stepped into the hospital room, we were welcomed with gratitude — and an update we rarely get to hear. The boy had gone straight into emergency surgery. Eventually, they were able to remove a large clot from his brain. Against all odds, he had survived… and was steadily improving.
I knelt beside the hospital bed and softly asked how he was doing. His eyes fluttered open. He smiled, then lifted his hand for a fist bump.
In that moment, my exhaustion vanished. I was witnessing the fruit of a missionary pilot Sabbath rescue—I had been part of a mission that saved a life.
A Glimpse of God’s Grace
It’s a double blessing when God not only allows us to serve — but lets us see the fruit of that service. I was deeply moved that He had used our hands, and my small mission plane, to do something so big for this boy and his family.
