By Dennis Eagles

A Jumbo Jet takes turbulence well but at that split second our plane hit some air pockets which awoke every fear in her soul about flying. It wasn’t very bad turbulence, but she reached for her handkerchief and as facial muscles tightened she was speaking volumes without saying a word.

Realizing the awesome courage it took to face her crippling fear and to board that plane my heart was filled with deep respect. She said, “I try to stay calm when flying but my hands still get wet.” It was then I asked, “Edna, if the Captain lost control of the plane and we plunged into the sea, do you know 100% for sure that if you died you would go to heaven?” Now, to be honest, I can’t say my question took her mind off of her fears but to be sure I had her attention!

This started a delicate conversation as I asked further, “If I could show you what God says you must do to guarantee you’re going to heaven, would you do it if you could?” From there I explained the plan God provided for us to have our sins forgiven and assure a place in heaven when we die. I explained how God created the Universe, heaven and earth and everything with a design and purpose and how He created mankind also with a design and purpose. I covered the story of Adam and Eve, the fall and of God’s loving way He restored them.

I continued on to show her verses about our personal fall from God’s holy standard and God’s plan to restore us to Himself. I told her that God sent Jesus to provide a way to redeem His creation and to make us His children by faith. With her consent I walked her through the five unconditional and universal truths necessary to going to Heaven. Step by step we walked through the plan of Salvation as given in Scripture that leads to forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation.

After explaining John 3:14-18 and Romans 10:9-13, I said to her, “If Jesus would accept you just as you are- would you accept Him just as he is?” She nodded yes. Then I put out my hand and said, “If you would take Jesus by faith as your personal Savior just place your hand into mine just like it was His hand”. After placing her hand into mine she agreed when I asked her, “May I pray for you right now?” Next, I asked her I to repeat after me the sinner’s prayer, as found in the Bible, which she did from a very sincere heart and broken voice.

Wiping tears from her eyes she said, “thank you for praying with me”. Then she said, looking through teary eyes, “My hands are not sweaty and my feet are no longer wet. I’m not afraid now!” I said, “You may have missed Mass but God sent Jesus to you.” She smiled.

By the time we had exchanged email addresses we were on the ground again and ready to disembark the plane. One more soul prepared for heaven and ready for training in His service. I have been told that if every Christian would lead one soul to Christ a year, the whole world could be saved in 11 years. Let’s set that as a goal and win someone to Jesus this year.

In the baggage claim area Edna came looking for me, as she only had a carry on, to explain how her husband was not going to be there in time to meet me but she looked forward to telling him about her prayer on the plane at 38,000 feet.