"3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation."

Romans 5:3-4

            This area of scripture gives me great comfort as I look back on our vision trip last week. We definitely encountered problems and trials of all shapes and sizes. It has been a growing experience for both of us. As we were coming home from South Africa last Monday, we had probably one of the scariest moments of my life.

           We boarded our second flight of the day in Johannesburg, South Africa at

6:00 PM local time. While waiting to taxi onto the runway, the plane went black inside. The pilot told us that lightning struck near the plane affecting the electrical system. So we waited longer while the whole system got checked and reset. After two hours we were cleared to takeoff.

            As the plane began to lift off the ground we smelled an awful electrical burning smell in the cabin. We are approximately twenty minutes out of Johannesburg when the plane goes pitch black again. After sitting in darkness for a few minutes the emergency lights came on and we see smoke coming from the front of the plane. The pilot tells us that he has done the routine checks and cannot locate the problem. He began to dump fuel in order to lighten the load of the plane so that we could make an emergency landing.   We were met on the runway by five fire trucks, who escorted us to a near by  empty lot. We were then bused to the terminal for safety. It was truly a very scary moment, a very surreal moment in which God began to speak, "Remember Shawn, this life is not yours, and the work you are doing is because of me, and for my namesake. I will do with your life as I please," and my response was, "yes, Lord."

            As we finally reached safety, my heart cried out to god much like Daniel in Chapter 2,

"Praise the name of God forever and ever,
      for he has all wisdom and power.
 21 He controls the course of world events;
      he removes kings and sets up other kings.
   He gives wisdom to the wise
      and knowledge to the scholars.
 22 He reveals deep and mysterious things
      and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
      though he is surrounded by light."
 

            Once we boarded the plane the next day, the pilot explained the situation more thoroughly. When the lighting struck the plane, it damaged the auto shut off on one of the water kettles. Once the kettle was turned on it would not turn off, and eventually caught fire. As for the black out I guess we will never really know. However I do know that you cannot begin guess the different situations in your life that God will use to teach and remind you of who you are in him.