Bill Cristobal smiled. Sitting in the Billy Graham Library during the Aviation Industry Breakfast, the missionary pilot could relate to his new-found friends as they chatted about sharing their faith with their coworkers.
Cristobal flew in the military and the aviation industry decades ago. Today, he flies all over the world delivering Bibles. Still, he could remember the challenges he encountered when former colleagues challenged his beliefs about God. It wasn’t easy, but it strengthened his faith and witness for Christ.
“I found that it was that kind of an environment that made me sharp,” Cristobal said, chatting candidly with three baggage handlers from American Airlines. “I was constantly challenged, and you either get up and fight and really get into [God’s] Word and grow, or you just lay over and play dead—then you’re not worth anything to anybody.
“This could be the greatest opportunity of your lives or you can let it go and never use it.”
Cristobal and the three gentleman—baggage handlers Kent Brewer, Bruce Creswell and Denny Schell—were among many in the aviation industry who attended the Aviation Industry Breakfast on Friday at the Billy Graham Library.
Pilots, flight attendants, baggage handlers and other aviation workers came for a time of encouragement and to tour the Journey of Faith, which presents the Gospel through the story of Billy Graham.
Brewer, Creswell and Schell explained they often get to talk with other baggage handlers about God, but it can be a challenge to answer tough questions.
“It’s very difficult,” explained Creswell when asked about what it’s like to be a believer on his crew.
“I’m new to religion so I’m not a Bible scholar,” Brewer said. “But when they come up and ask you questions like that, it gets kind of hard to explain to them that I am a Christian, I believe in Jesus.”
Friday’s breakfast came at a good time for the airline employees. Tim Kenny, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s vice president of media services and internet evangelism, spoke about his experiences in aviation and in working for the BGEA. He explained how the aviation community has helped Billy Graham and his ministry spread the Gospel all over the world.
“Long before you arrived here today, staff and volunteers here at the Library have been praying for you,” Kenny said. “Praying for this time of fellowship with us and with each other—praying that you’ll leave this place inspired, with your light shining brightly for all to see.”
That mandate is something that struck Karen McLeod, who works in reservations at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. She explained what an inspiration Mr. Graham and the Billy Graham Library have been to her.
“For me, it’s just a really great experience,” McLeod said with tears in her eyes, “because each time I’ve come to the facility, as soon as you go on the grounds you can feel the presence of the Lord. I can’t imagine to live your life for God, to be making an impact, how many years later? And [Billy Graham is] still impacting lives for the Lord. Plus, he’s passed on a mantle.”
“A legacy,” added Lynda Monroe, who also works in reservations there, and said she was so excited she didn’t mind getting up at 3:30 a.m. Friday to catch a short flight for the breakfast.
Kenny encouraged those in attendance to use the Billy Graham Library as a resource for finding encouragement in their own faith, particularly as they share the Gospel with others.
“Just like airplanes are meant to fly, lights are meant to shine. Salt is meant to season,” Kenny said. “Those of us who are Christians are meant to be salt and light in a world in desperate need of a Savior.”
