Monday, August 31, 2026

Tanzanian Prayer Warrior

It was the middle of the night on a 16 hour plane flight. All of the lights were out and the quiet hum of the flight had lulled most to sleep. I needed to go to the bathroom so I walked my way back to the bathroom. It was occupied so I decided to stand and stretch when I noticed this woman in the middle of the bulkhead seat. 

Her light was the only light on in the entire plane. I realized her eyes were closed but her lips were moving. I then noticed that she was holding a Bible in her left hand and a pen in her right hand hovering over her spiral journal. I realized I was witnessing a holy moment. 

It felt so sacred seeing her in her quiet sanctuary praying. She was so beautiful. It was like the Shekina glory of God surrounded her.  I wanted to photograph her so I could try to paint her later, but I knew that that it would be wrong to photograph her so I just stood there and prayed over her while she prayed. 

Then all of a sudden a random man climb over her in the bulkhead seat and stir her out of her prayer. I was able to greet her and tell her she was beautiful. 

After the flight I saw her again, but this time I was able to ask her name. Meet Jane! 

Jane was returning from a family funeral in Tanzania. My heart broke as I introduced her to Danna. I offered to pray and she let me pray over her. Danna and I drew close to her and as I was praying, she fell to her knees right there in the airport on the floor. Danna and I bent low with her as I finished the prayer. Her grief was so raw. My heart broke more sharing the pain of saying good bye for now. I prayed for the God of All Comfort to pour His comfort and compassion on her family. 

When I was done she said, "How like the God of All Comfort to send someone to the airport to give me comfort as I am flying home." 

We took a photo together, hugged goodbye, and then we were off to our flights.  Strangers for a moment bonded in prayer and parting as sisters in Christ. 

When I got home I gave Greg my photo of Jane to him and asked him to have Ai recreate the scene for me so I could use it as my visual. I am amazed at what he was able to recreate for me. 
I call her my Tanzanian Prayer Warrior!

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