Leaving Rio Rancho
After the missions conference in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, it was time to head home. On Thursday morning, I drove Pastor Brent Lenentine’s car back to his house. Then he kindly gave me a ride to the Albuquerque airport. The drive was filled with great conversation and laughter. Pastor Lenentine is one of those men you just enjoy being around—faithful, wise, and full of encouragement.
Because of the government shutdown, I was worried about long TSA lines. So I arrived early, but to my surprise, everything moved quickly. I breezed through security and decided to take a few laps around the terminal to get some steps in before the flight.
A Familiar Voice
As I rounded a corner, I heard a familiar voice call out my name—“Joe!”
I immediately knew who it was. Brother Dennis Corle, my evangelist friend from Revival Fires, was standing right there in the airport. His voice is unmistakable! We only had a few minutes to visit before his next flight, but that short time of fellowship lifted my spirits. I thank God for friends like him who always bring encouragement at just the right moment.
Flight Delays and a Growing Problem
After our chat, I tried to rearrange my route and see if I could fly directly from Albuquerque to Dallas, instead of going through Houston. Unfortunately, the airline couldn’t make that change.
When I reached Houston, I checked again for an earlier flight to Dallas—but every seat was full. Then came the dreaded series of delays. First, thirty minutes. Then another thirty. And then another!
At that point, I realized I’d only have fifteen minutes to make my Dallas connection—from Terminal A all the way to Terminal E. I prayed, asking the Lord to help me make it. I didn’t want to spend the night in an airport chair.
A Prayer Answered Mid-Run
When we finally landed, I sprinted as fast as a man with short legs could run! I jumped on the SkyLink train just as the doors closed and rode it straight to my terminal. I ran up to my gate just in time to see the gate agent flip the sign to “Flight Closed.”
Waving my boarding pass, I called out, “Wait! I’m here!”
The lady smiled and said, “Mr. Consford, it’s your lucky day! The flight has just been delayed due to a maintenance issue.”
What a moment of relief! I was out of breath but praising the Lord. God had answered my prayer—I didn’t have to spend the night in the airport after all. An hour later, we were airborne, and I couldn’t help but thank God for His perfect timing once again.
Arriving in Illinois
I landed in Dallas and then finally reached Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, close to Clinton, around 12:45 a.m. Brother Cameron, the assistant pastor at First Baptist Church of Clinton, was waiting to pick me up.
He told me he used to attend Football Camp, where I served as a dorm supervisor. He laughed and said, “Brother Joe, your voice still echoes in my mind yelling ‘Rise and shine, boys!’ every morning!” What a joy it is to see those same young men now serving God as pastors, missionaries, and faithful church workers. That’s what camp is really about—not the football, but the faith being built in those hearts.
A Peaceful Rest
We pulled up to one of the most beautiful barndominiums I’ve ever seen. The Bevans family had graciously offered their home for my stay. Deer roamed the back yard, and a peaceful bass pond sparkled out front. The bed was comfortable, the room was quiet, and the entire place felt like a gift from the Lord.
After a long travel day, I was reminded once again that God answers prayer—in airports, on airplanes, and even in the little details that make the journey comfortable.
Reflection
Traveling as a missionary often comes with unexpected challenges, but this trip was another reminder that God is in every delay, every change, and every connection. He cares about our comfort, our safety, and even our rest. When I prayed for help, He answered in His perfect timing.
Whether it’s running through airports or running the race of faith, we can trust that He’s always one step ahead—working out the details we can’t control.
Make sure you follow allong on our journey! consfords.com/connect
Amen. Summer and I many times reflect on how God works things out His way and in His time.
Thank you for sharing. Excited for y’all as you head back to Africa.