News & Stories

Tragedy in Madrid Hits Home

August 22, 2008

Three people who died Wednesday in Madrid when a Spanair commercial airline crashed had personal connections with members of an Alliance church plant, including the pilot of the plane. An Alliance worker’s neighbor and friend, who also is a Spanair pilot, told the worker he often takes the Madrid-Canary Island flight, but not Wednesday. His colleague who lost his life leaves behind a wife and two young daughters.  
 
The Alliance worker accompanied a church member whose uncle died in the crash to the makeshift gathering center and morgue. “The Spanish prime minister and vice prime minister were consoling the families,” said our worker. “ A young woman who had helped with our English Camp and is a family friend of the bereaved gave the president a worn copy of the New Testament as a testimony of what brings this particular family hope and encouragement at such a time—the answer not just for one but for the whole nation and world. 
 
“Pray that through this event, with its sadness, anger, and finger pointing, the Lord will heal this nation, console these families, and use us in this important ministry of compassion.”