Written by: Gillian Fraser
Article source: JOY! Magazine
For NASA astronaut Barry Wilmore, faith is not something he left behind on earth. As he orbits the planet on the International Space Station (ISS), he is finding profound ways to connect with his faith and his church community back home. Barry Wilmore, a dedicated member and elder of Providence Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas, even joins prayer meetings and church services from space, using technology to stay connected despite the vast distance.
A spiritual perspective on space missions
Wilmore has made it clear that his experiences in space have only reinforced his belief in God and the teachings of the Bible. “What I saw in space confirmed the Bible,” he said, reflecting on the awe-inspiring views he encountered during his missions. Despite the breathtaking sights he witnessed while piloting the space shuttle Atlantis previously and walking in space, Wilmore emphasised that he didn’t need to be among the stars to understand God’s truth, stating, “Holy Scripture is sufficient.”
Trusting in God’s plan
Stranded on the ISS due to technical failures of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, Wilmore remains remarkably calm and peaceful, attributing his contentment to his unwavering faith in God’s sovereignty. “He just takes it knowing the Lord’s in control,” his wife, Deanna Wilmore, shared. The couple’s strong belief that God has a plan for every situation sustains them during this uncertain period in space, trusting that whatever happens is in His hands.
An astronaut’s journey with Christ
Wilmore’s journey of faith began long before he ever donned a spacesuit. Raised in a Christian home, it wasn’t until his twenties that he began to truly understand the depth of Scripture and how it explained the world around him. “The journey to learn and grow was set on fire, and I am still eagerly learning and growing in his truth,” he once remarked. This passion for God’s Word drives his mission, both in space and on earth, to share the message of creation and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Gratitude amid uncertainty
Despite the unexpected length of his mission, Wilmore finds reasons to be grateful. He appreciates the unique opportunity to spend more time in space, a setting that lessens his joint pain due to the absence of gravity. Though he misses significant family milestones on earth, such as his daughter’s senior year of high school and his 30th wedding anniversary, he remains content. “We trust in sovereign God. Whatever the plan is, we’re ready for it,” he said before the mission, reflecting his readiness to accept whatever comes, knowing it’s all part of God’s purpose.
The church’s unwavering support
Back at Providence Baptist Church, the congregation continues to pray for their astronaut during every service. The church’s pastor, Tommy Dahn, spoke of the deep connection they feel with Wilmore, despite the vast physical distance. For the church members, knowing that their fellow congregant is up in space yet still spiritually connected to their community is a powerful testament to the bond of faith.
God’s glory in the universe
For Barry Wilmore, space is not just a frontier for exploration; it is a canvas that vividly displays the glory of God. He sees the intricacies of creation in the cosmos as affirmations of his faith. “The heavens declare the glory of God,” he often says, quoting the Bible to express the wonder he feels when observing the universe from his unique vantage point. His experiences have only deepened his conviction that everything in creation aligns with the truth of the Bible.
Bringing faith to the forefront
Wilmore’s time on the ISS is not just a test of human endurance and scientific progress; it is also a demonstration of how faith can thrive in the most challenging of circumstances. His presence in space serves as a reminder that belief in God’s sovereignty can provide strength and peace, even when far from home. As he continues his mission, Wilmore’s story inspires others to look beyond the stars and see the hand of the Creator in all things.
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Date published: 27/11/2024
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