The Lord Used An Airplane | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Lord Used An Airplane | Previous Challenge Entry
By Leonard Granger
04/14/15
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This story subject sounds very unusual as we know our Lord did not use an airplane to speak to the world. He speaks to all believers as the Bible says, John 17:23. " I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou loved me,"

Christians, during their life here on the earth, often find themselves not living close to our gracious and loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and following in his footsteps. Our Lord may send us a message that will really effect our lives and we will never forget it. So was the case with me, so many years ago, and I will answer the three words, Why, When and Where the Lord sent me this life shaking message.

I was stationed in Athens, Greece when my wife contacted polio and was rushed to the Air Force hospital in Germany, where she was treated over four months. Every couple weeks I would visit her and take a scheduled Air Force passenger plane. However, on the last visit no plane was available, except a Navy plane going to Naples, Italy that would refuel and go on to Germany.

This aircraft was a C-47 which was the military version of the civilian DC-3 first built in 1930. It was purchased by the Army Air Force during WW11 and 9.000 were used to haul cargo and passengers. The Air Force retired the C-47D in 1975 but they are still in use by small airlines around the world. The "Goony Bird" is known as one of the world's most reliable aircraft and in 1959 it became part of my life.

On arriving at Napoli Airport, as the plane was being refueled, a very large storm caused us to be delayed seven hours. About 1/2 hour before departure, I was called to the terminal office and told that I was bumped off the flight by a person with a higher priority. I have always felt the Lord has a road plan for us, so said I will catch a later flight. This C-47 Navy aircraft, type Douglas R4D-8 ( DC-3) # 17241 on ---Monday, 30 March 1959-- crashed during takeoff from Naples following engine failure and all crew and passengers on board were fatalities. On arrival in Germany the next day, my wife said you were a day late, and then added the Lord sent you a message that you will serve him and take care of me the rest of my life.

Today, I praise the Lord daily for extending my life here on the earth, as I was 26 years old with a wife and two preschool children, when this event happened. The Lord has given me 56 additional years to serve him as I try to walk in his footsteps. Over the years, attending several churches, he has let me serve Him in different church offices, start bus programs to assist Sunday school attendance. teach Sunday school, be on three radio stations broadcasting for two years with a program, Sunday Morning Devotions, and the past four years writing this religious newspaper column that also goes worldwide to 200 countries.

It may have been since I was in the Air Force that the Lord used an airplane to change my life. I can never praise and serve our living Lord Jesus Christ enough for all the blessings he has given me and my family.

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