Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Jumping out of airplanes

My good friend Mark received a rather unique gift from his wife for his birthday a few years ago. I truly believe she had no ulterior motive (in her heart, she alone knows!), but the gift was for one “skydive!” He loved it and now he’s hooked and has done it a few more times. Now, for the jump, he was lashed to a professional skydiver, but Mark relates that the experience was absolutely awesome! Maybe I’m jealous; then again, maybe I’m still in my right mind! I would really rather be sick when I die.

Mark’s “falling down” reminded me of a story. Personally, this account challenges me concerning my own commitment to do what’s right, to stand for truth, to live outspokenly for Jesus Christ and to love God and my neighbor at any cost.

Tim Bowden, in his book “One Crowded Hour” about cameraman Neil Davis, tells of an incident that happened in Borneo during the confrontation between Malaysia and Indonesia in 1964. A group of Gurkha soldiers from Nepal were asked if they would be willing to jump from transport planes into combat against the Indonesians if the need arose. The Gurkhas had the right to turn down the request because they had never been trained as paratroopers. Bowden quotes Davis’s account of the story:

“Now the Gurkhas usually agreed to anything, but on this occasion they provisionally rejected the plan. But the next day one of their NCOs sought out the British officer who made the request and said they had discussed the matter further and would be prepared to jump out of the planes under certain conditions.

“‘What are they?’ asked the British officer.

“The Gurkhas told him they would jump if the land was marshy or reasonably soft with no rocky outcrops, because they were inexperienced in falling. The British officer considered this and said that the dropping area would almost certainly be over jungle, and there would not be rocky outcrops, so that seemed all right. Was there anything else?

“‘Yes,’ said the Gurkhas. They wanted the plane to fly as slowly as possible and no more than 100 feet high. The British officer pointed out the planes always did fly as slowly as possible when dropping troops, but to jump from 100 feet was impossible, because the parachutes would not open in time from that height.

“‘Oh,’ said the Gurkhas. ‘That’s all right, then. We’ll jump with parachutes anywhere. You didn’t mention parachutes before!’

Obviously, they were seriously ready to jump out of the planes without parachutes! Incredible! Could the world use such Gurkha-like commitment and courage? Yes, I think so. I’m challenged by that! When God asks me to do something, I must be ready to serve… right then! If I consider myself a Christian – if that means anything, it means I follow Christ – it means that I do what He says! It means that my main concerns are not personal comfort or convenience, but commitment to the Kingdom of God!

Jesus tells me to always be ready to fight the good fight, like a Christian soldier. “Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)

“Oh… you didn’t mention parachutes…” Wow! I’m ready!

 

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