The Boeing 747 had lifted off the ground from Hawaii and was now on its way to Tokyo, Japan. It was a night flight, and the aircraft was only half full, so the food service was much quicker than usual. The cabin lights were dimmed, the passengers were happy and content, and most drifted off to sleep while a few watched a movie. Most flight attendants thought working night flights were long and boring, but Kathy was excited to be able to sit in a jumpseat with Tim and ask him what the Bible said about an array of subjects. She wondered if he had the entire Bible memorized as there was not a question he couldn’t open the Bible to and talk about. 

Tim was a Bible teacher at his church and taught in the Bible school weekly. He loved imparting the Bible to others, but never more than when someone new to the Bible asked him to help them understand it.  One of the questions Kathy asked Tim was, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Tim walked her through many scriptures to help her understand the answer to that question. He had answered it before many times. He concluded by saying, “Despite how much God desires to bless us, the world is sinful, people are fallible, and we have an enemy of our soul that would like to make trouble in our lives so we get discouraged and stop trusting God! And so, trouble comes, but we have to know and have faith that when we pray in those times, God will take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good. Trust, prayer, and patience are critical to be anchored in your walk with God!”

As they approached and descended into Tokyo, they and the other flight attendants prepared the cabin for arrival. Each of the flight attendants would need their passports as they went through customs.  Tim went into his bag to pull out his passport but could not find it. He went meticulously through His carry-on bags but could not find it. In his 10 years as a flight attendant, he had never forgotten it. He broke into a cold sweat. He found the Japanese interpreter Yoko on the flight to ask her if she knew what would happen. “They will not let you stay in the country without a passport, Yoko replied. “You cannot enter into Japan without one!”

This was horrible news. The flight crew had the rare opportunity to lay over for 3 days in Japan and made the group decision to tour the city of Kyoto, a Japanese cultural center. What was he going to do?  The pilots radioed ahead to let the agents know that one of the flight attendants lost his passport so the agents would be prepared for it.  Tim was at the door of the aircraft when it had opened in Tokyo.

Immediately, the agent came on board to talk with Tim. “I am sorry to tell you that we cannot allow you into the country. There is a unique 5-star hotel that is here at the airport for travelers passing through Tokyo waiting for their next flight. We will let you stay there for the next three days. I will take you there.  First, let me deplane the passengers.

As the flight crew walked off the plane, excited for their three days of touring Japan together, they looked at Tim with sad eyes. Kathy was heartbroken for Tim. They were looking forward to talking about the Bible for all three days. Tim almost felt embarrassed after telling Kathy how much God protects and blesses His children. He could hardly wrap his mind around what was happening.

Before Kathy walked off the plane, she walked over to Tim and said, “Remember what you told me. God will take what the devil meant for evil and turn it for good! I am praying for that for you!”

Tim was shell-shocked! It was hard to think or focus on what the next three days would be like! He tried to hold it together as the crew left without him.  Part Three is coming next Friday! It’s a shocker! Wait for it! 

Genesis 50:20 (NIV): “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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