March 22, 2024

Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 transatlantic flight highlighted the limitations of early air navigation technology.

Though not the first person to cross the Atlantic by air (over 100 had preceded him), Lindbergh demonstrated that transatlantic flight would soon be practical. Because he lacked any means for fixing position, his flight also illustrated that, until better navigational tools and techniques were developed, this type of flying could be a gamble. Indeed, many who attempted it perished.

Lindbergh navigated the Spirit of St. Louis on his transatlantic flight with an earth inductor compass, a drift sight, a speed timer (a stopwatch for the drift sight), and an eight-day clock.  Despite weather deviations and extreme fatigue, Lindbergh reached the coast of Ireland within 5 kilometers (3 miles) of his intended great circle course. But he knew that chance, not skill or equipment, had allowed such accuracy – winds during his flight had caused no significant drift.

Besides being uncertain of his position at times on his transatlantic flight, Charles Lindbergh found himself lost several times on his Caribbean and Latin American tour. In each case, faulty equipment let him down. He realized he had to find better ways of fixing position if he was going to continue to make long-range flights and promote safe long-distance air travel.

It’s amazing to think about how far air travel has come over the last century.  But I’ve always been amazed at how simple the first solo flights were and how little training or instruments they had in those flights.  I think there is a comparison to be made between first flights and our call to evangelism.  Let me explain.

In Luke 9, we see the first commissioning of the disciples out on their first solo flights.  There was very little experience, they were told to take nothing with them, and then they were told where to go.  Would it be possible to carry out the call of God on our lives to share the Gospel if we were to wait for more experience, or better tools or instruments to do so?  If Charles Lindbergh would have waited for more experience or better tools, would we have even been able to reap the benefits of commercial flights?  Who knows!! 

This Sunday, I look forward to taking a look at Luke 9 and the disciples commissioning to evangelism.  In this story we take a look at THE BASICS OF EVANGELISM.  I hope you can join us.  I am excited to worship with you. 

Grateful,

Pastor Brandon