Gilbert’s Mission Trip to Australia: Delays, Jet Lag, and God’s Perfect Timing

Mission trips rarely go according to plan—and Gilbert’s recent trip to Australia proved that once again.

What was supposed to be a straightforward flight from Chicago to Sydney turned into a lesson on patience, flexibility, and trusting the Lord when everything seems to unravel before you ever leave the airport.

When the Trip Nearly Ended Before It Began

Gilbert and Bro. Micah were scheduled to fly out on January 26. They were packed, checked in, through security, and sitting at the gate when the first delay notification came through. With winter weather hitting much of the U.S., delays weren’t surprising. But those delays kept stacking up—until the announcement no missionary wants to hear: the flight was canceled.

It was disappointing. They were supposed to be speaking at a camp, and suddenly it looked like the whole trip might be lost. But as missionaries learn early on, God knows best—even when plans fall apart.

To make matters more interesting, retrieving checked bags turned into its own adventure. Gilbert’s suitcase stayed behind in Chicago until the following Monday, while Bro. Micah’s bag somehow managed to make multiple connecting flights without him before finally returning to Chicago. For several days, Gilbert had to make do with a very limited wardrobe, which added a little creativity—and humility—to the week.

A Second Attempt—and a Long Journey South

On February 2, they were back at the airport. This time, everything went smoothly. No delays. No cancellations. Just a very long trip.

After nearly twenty-four hours of travel and crossing a seventeen-hour time difference, they arrived in Sydney worn out but thankful. Even with some rest on the flights, it took a few days for their bodies to adjust.

What Gilbert didn’t expect was that he would be preaching the very day they arrived.

Preaching Through Jet Lag and Trusting the Lord

Gilbert had been told he might preach a few times during the week, but Wednesday night came fast. After a short nap and an afternoon of intense preparation, he stood up to preach—jet lag and all.

The Lord helped him, and the message came together. After the service, they enjoyed some snacks, drove back to the house, and finally got some solid rest.

The next day brought more preparation. Not only was Gilbert preaching again, but the pastor originally scheduled to preach the revival meetings had to cancel due to a death in his church. That meant Gilbert would be preaching his first full revival series—something he hadn’t expected when he boarded the plane in Chicago.

Ministry, Mountains, and Messages

Friday morning, Pastor Jonathan—who graciously hosted them—took them to see the Blue Mountains. The blue haze that gives the mountains their name comes from dense eucalyptus forests filling the valleys below. They also visited a nearby waterfall, giving Gilbert a brief moment to take photos before heading back to prepare for that night’s message.

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Each message grew a little longer as the week went on—about twenty minutes at first, then closer to thirty. By Saturday morning, both Gilbert and Bro. Micah preached. Afterward, they took a train into downtown Sydney, saw the Sydney Opera House, and did a bit of sightseeing before heading back.

That evening, Gilbert learned he would also be preaching Sunday morning. Another outline. Another late night. Another opportunity to trust the Lord.

A Sunday Gilbert Will Never Forget

Sunday morning, Gilbert preached at Pastor Jonathan’s church while Bro. Micah preached at Pastor Ramos’ church. That final message became the longest sermon Gilbert had preached up to that point in his ministry. The Lord gave him the words, the clarity, and the strength to carry it through.

After lunch and a time of fellowship, the group went flyer blitzing in a nearby neighborhood, then returned for the evening service where Bro. Micah preached. It was a full day—one that reflected exactly what ministry often looks like on the ground.

It was also the kind of week that prepares a young man for ministry in ways no classroom ever could.

Wrapping Up and Heading to New Zealand

Monday was lighter. Due to the time difference, they were able to watch the Super Bowl earlier that day before going out for burgers at lunch and another restaurant in the evening. It was a welcome chance to slow down and rest.

With a 4:00 a.m. departure the next morning, Gilbert packed everything the night before. Instead of waking to his alarm at 3:30, he heard a knock at the door at 3:57. Thankfully, he was ready. They made it to the airport without issue and flew on to New Zealand without incident.

Why This Trip Matters

From canceled flights to missing luggage, from jet-lagged sermons to unexpected revival preaching, this trip wasn’t smooth—but it was fruitful. It stretched Gilbert, strengthened his confidence, and gave him ministry experience that can’t be replicated in a classroom.

Mission work isn’t about comfort. It’s about obedience, preparation, and trusting God when plans change. This trip to Australia was a reminder of that—for Gilbert, and for all of us who are praying, supporting, and sending.

If you’d like to follow along with what our family is doing and how God continues to open doors for ministry around the world, you can connect with us anytime at consfords.com/connect.