"Please fasten your safety belts and prepare for takeoff.” Groggily listening to the flight attendant, I settled into my seat for the overnight flight from Santiago, Chile, to Atlanta, Georgia.

The past two weeks had been a whirlwind of activities as I toured all across the country of Chile with the Andrews University Singers. After performing eleven concerts and several impromptu special musical numbers, I truly felt a sense of mission and satisfaction from the warm, hospitable church members. Not only were the Chileans blessed through our music, but I was also touched and drawn closer to God. Throughout the whole tour, it seemed the more we gave of our time and talents, the more we were blessed. But our greatest blessing was still in store for us.

Shortly after hearing the announcement preparing us for takeoff, I began to feel the plane moving down the runway. Before taking off, I heard another voice come over the speakers telling us our plane was experiencing mechanical difficulties, but several mechanics were working on the problem immediately. Quickly sending a prayer heavenward, I began to relax and fall asleep.

After a 25-minute wait, the pilot announced the problem had been repaired and we would take off shortly. As our plane taxied down the runway, accelerated, and began to lift, I suddenly felt a huge jolt. Our plane had begun to take off, but had stopped halfway through the attempt due to an emergency warning on the computer screen. This emergency landing blew out two tires. I later found out that even though it was a simple mechanical problem with the left wing, our plane would have rolled and crashed if it had taken off.

It was not until the next morning the reality of our experience began to sink in, and I was able to see the miracle I had experienced firsthand. Although we had been a singing mission team dedicated to the Lord, He had greater plans for every member of the group. The devil had tried to put an end to our trip and our lives, but Jesus had a greater plan. This experience helped me see God is still all-powerful in this sinful Earth, and I am even more determined to follow His plan because He still has an important purpose for my life.

Rebecca Sauer is a junior elementary education major at Andrews University and a member of the Burlington (Michigan) Church. A $100 scholarship will be awarded since her article was selected for publication.