“He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him”
A Samaritan’s Purse aircraft carrying humanitarian aid to South Sudan narrowly escaped an attempted hijacking after the pilot told the assailant, “God loves you,” prompting him to abandon the attempt, The Christian Post reported on the 11th.
In an interview, Samaritan’s Purse President Rev. Franklin Graham described the incident, which occurred on December 2, involving a Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft. According to Graham, the plane was en route to Maiwut, South Sudan, transporting medical supplies for a mobile medical team operated by Samaritan’s Purse. There were two people on board: the pilot and one Samaritan’s Purse staff member.
A man who had secretly boarded the aircraft attempted to take control. The pilot tried to persuade him to stop, but the man reportedly threatened, saying, “I will kill you. I’m going to count to three, and then I’ll kill you.” Realizing the situation would not end well, the pilot told him, “God loves you.” After hearing those words, the hijacker gave up the attempt.
The aircraft later landed safely in Wau, South Sudan, where the National Security Service of South Sudan arrested the suspect. In an official statement, Samaritan’s Purse said, “We praise God that no one was seriously injured and are grateful to the security authorities for their swift action in resolving the situation and ensuring a safe outcome.”
According to the Associated Press, the suspect was identified as Yasir Mohammed Yusuf, a resident of the Abyei Administrative Area, an oil-rich region between South Sudan and Sudan. While no official motive has been released, he reportedly demanded that the plane be flown to Chad.
Commenting on the incident, Rev. Graham said, “We work in some of the most dangerous parts of the world, and that is part of the reality we face.”
Meanwhile, Samaritan’s Purse recently suffered another tragic loss in South Sudan. Last month, an aircraft carrying about two tons of relief supplies from the capital city of Juba to flood-affected communities crashed, killing all three people on board. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011.(Source: Christian Post, Edited Version)
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.(1 John 4:8-9,NIV)
God, we thank You that the pilot’s message of Your love spoken to the aircraft hijacker was allowed to resound in his heart. We ask that the words he heard would remain in his soul and lead him to You. Please bless those who even now, not only in South Sudan but in the most dangerous regions, run without hesitation to serve people in need of Christ’s love, regardless of the cost. As they pour out their lives in service to souls, may the love of God—who gave His only Son to save us—be engraved ever more deeply in their hearts. And may many who receive this grace come to believe in the Lord Jesus and obtain salvation.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
