Life Lesson: Missed Flight

Two responsible brothers from the church in Gurgaon were supposed to attend a training on church administration in Taiwan. I personally was very burdened to perfect more brothers to bear the responsibility of the local church I am in. In fellowship, two brothers were proposed and all arrangement including flight tickets and visas were done. But there were few important things that were not well taken care, which later came to light, and eventually became lessons for all of us to learn. 

Firstly, the seriousness of this training was underestimated. Though a very important training and a very important trip for the church as well as the brothers, hardly any prayer was offered on the same. Nor was there any subsequent fellowship following the decision taken. Though the saints knew about it, not many really cared for it. This was the big mistake I and the brothers have made. 

Secondly, the financial arrangement was all initially burned by the church, as the training is for the church purpose. Though we fellowshipped with our brothers to participate in the expenses as much as they could, only the Lord knows the deep intention of the brothers themselves. Whether they were willing to bear the entire expenses, paying the price for the Lord's sake, or taking things for granted. I felt in this matter also, all of us need a deeper lesson to learn. 

Thirdly, it concerns the matter of oneness among us brothers who made the decision and also the oneness of the travelling brothers with their wives and families. Though we all noted our head on agreement with a resounding "amen" I am not too sure whether we all brother had the same burden and oneness in all matters regarding this trip. 

These three crucial factors were worth considering as far as we the brothers in the church were concerned. Personally too, I learned some deep lesson from the Lord in this regard as I was the one who first raised the toss. My intention itself need to be dealt with. Perhaps, my intention was good in sending the brothers for such training, but the way it was proposed and carried out might have been natural in that it was not taken seriously. 

The result was amazing; the two brothers missed the flight. The flight timing was kind of tricky as it says 10 Nov, 00:05. We all were of the assumption that the flight was on 10th midnight. But, a closer look at it revealed, it was on 9 Nov night, passed midnight. 

Though the brothers did their best to suddenly reschedule everything on 9 Nov, it was one day too late. Though rebooking of new flight could have been done, it was Rs. 40,000+ too expensive. Finally, the trip was cancelled to the utmost disappointment of the all, especially the brothers. But later we all learned our lesson the hard way round with much sober mindedness. 

Few days later as we were enjoying a group meeting in one of the brothers' house, a brother who missed the flight, the Lord's speaking was very fresh: Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 

I believe, when opportunity like this comes up again, things would be very different. We have learnt our lesson and we will not take things for granted anymore.