Sunday, July 19, was Day 13 of my 14-days of compulsory Covid-19 self-quarantine at a bed & breakfast lodging at Perth, Western Australia. This was not part of my plan! This was a health and safety requirement, enforced by the state government of all out-of-state travellers entering W.A.  My flight from Brisbane had landed at Perth airport on July 5. I was booked to fly out, early the following morning to the iron ore mining town of Newman. During that period of confinement, my one bedroom + ensuite bathroom was home. If no signs of the virus were evident by midnight, I would be free to travel the following morning.

With the likelihood of parole just 12 hrs away I decided to pack my belongings, with exception to one jacket, shirt and trousers that were handing in the wardrobe – my escape clothes! After placing a small ‘good news’ booklet in the pocket of the shirt I prayed aloud, “Lord, tomorrow, should I be seated in the aircraft beside someone whose heart has been prepared by You then I am ready to engage in a friendly conversation with them… hoping for an opportunity to report to them the good news about You.” (1 Peter 3:15).

It’s now Monday, July 20…freedom at last! At 6:40 am, I’m seated at 4B in the aircraft, centre seat. I had not chosen where to be seated as Qantas rescheduled my flight. The aircraft was full to capacity with FiFo (fly-in/fly-out) mine workers returning for work.  Two men seated beside me were dressed in high visibility work clothes, ready to hop-off the aircraft and hop-into work after landing. Within minutes, the one seated at my left dropped off to sleep and as the one at my right was about to fit ear plugs into his ears, our eyes connected and a conversation that lasted the duration of the 75-minutes flight had ignited!

Nate was his name. We found a great deal in common to talk about (work, family, retirement, etc.). He openly shared about his life and family, and where he stood concerning God… He didn’t ‘know’ God! I had Nate’s full attention while witnessing to him (reporting) as to how God had impacted my life. While sharing with him as to how any person can come to know the Lord, I took from my pocket the ‘Steps to Peace with God’ booklet, which he was glad to receive.

By the time the aircraft had touched down at Newman, Nate had accepted my invitation to share a curried chicken dinner with me at the Manse before returning in two weeks to his family at Perth. We exchanged phone numbers, shook hands, and parted with warm smiles on our faces. The ‘good news’ of Jesus Christ was reported, at God’s appointed time, and to the person He had prepared. That’s one flight I will never forget!

Best wishes, 

Bill Joukhadar