Missions Monday

First Mission Trip to Bahamas

There were two van loads of us going and we were flying on Bahamas Air out of Orlando , FL.   I drove and told those that wanted to go with me that I would be leaving 3.5 hours before we had to check in, having traveled a great deal I thought we would allow a margin of error in our travel time.  The second van was going to leave in time to get there and immediately go to check in.

Upon arrival at the airport, I went to the Bahamas Air counter and stood before a Bahamian gate agent who was doing paperwork , he continued to do his paperwork for a few minutes then looked up at me and asked, Nassau Bahamas ?  I said yes sir, he said No and went back to his paperwork.  In another few minutes he looked up at me and asked again, Nassau , Bahamas ?  I said yes sir and he again said No.  After another minute he told me that the flight we were on to Nassau had been cancelled and that they were going to put us all on American Airlines flight that was leaving twenty minutes sooner than our original flight.  Uh oh!

The seven of us who left early proceeded to check our bags and check in, frantically trying to call the second van and let them know that we were now leaving sooner than we had planned.  It was going to be close either way.  The initial seven of us proceeded to the boarding gate, watching for the remaining 7, thinking we could spur them on a little faster once they got inside the terminal.  The boarding gate agent was sympathetic to our plight and literally held the plane to the very last minute waiting for the remaining folks.  Those of us who were already there had in one decided that we were all going or none.  It was none.

The remaining seven arrived as the plane was leaving the ramp.  We gathered in a group and Prayed for help in getting to our destination and for safety and for us all to go together.  After we had finished Praying the departure gate agent called me over and said I saw you folks Praying, give me about two minutes and I will have you all on the flight that leaves in fifteen minutes.  He said I am a part time pastor and I know what you are doing.  He said God Bless you, have a safe flight and a great trip.

John Hartley

Elder

Missions Committee Chairman