Some days before this experience, I believe the Lord had been speaking to me about dying to self and standing for Christ more. While I was thinking about those things, I had an impression that I was to preach on the plane to Lagos on the day I would be travelling. I got a bit fearful because preaching on a plane seemed so impossible compared to in a tricycle or on a bus.
I quickly went on YouTube to draw strength from the records of those who had done such a thing in the past. I watched the few available videos, and most of them were of males—I think I saw only two videos showing females preaching, and this was important to me as I am female. The videos encouraged me, and I trusted that God could do the same thing through me if I let Him.
I boarded a plane from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to Lagos, Nigeria, on Tuesday, 26th November, 2024.
I was seated next to a young lad who I suppose was in junior secondary school, and next to him was a young woman who I believe was a few years older than I was.
The plane was about to take off when the young lad began acting strangely. The lady asked him what the problem was, and he responded that he was scared of flights, especially domestic flights. At that point, I felt like I was supposed to rebuke the spirit of fear, but I held back because I was not sure if it was appropriate for me to pray over him right there. I was also feeling shy. I showed my concern to him and told him that he would be fine.
He and the lady eventually began to chat and kept at it all through the trip. I remained silent, refusing to intrude.
The plane landed at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Nigeria, and the announcement to remain in our seats was made. I turned to the boy and said to him, “I’m about to conquer one of my fears right now.” He looked surprised and asked, “What?” I said, “I have never preached on a plane before, and I believe today is the day I’m supposed to do it.” The boy got very scared for me and started trying to deter me from preaching.
He said something bad might happen to me, and went ahead to tell me about a time when he was on a plane that had just landed, and there was a delay in getting down from the plane, and people started getting agitated as a result. I had only one question: “Did anyone preach on the plane?” He said, “No.” I replied that my situation could be different.
I took a deep breath and began. “Attention, everyone! Congratulations! You made it to Lagos, and I believe that is a good reason for you to be thankful; it is God who brought us here safely.”
Then I went into the message proper.
I shared parts of my life testimony, about how I used to be so lost and feel like trash, how I used to feel so insecure and carry about a lot of shame. I went on about how I was molested as a child and how God saved me from low self-esteem, pornography, lesbianism, and sexual immorality, amongst other things.
While I spoke, another announcement was made notifying us to remain seated due to an extra 5–10 minutes delay. I immediately declared to the people that the extra time was a practical example of God’s love for them, wanting them to hear more of His Words through me.
I mentioned that though they may be attending dead churches, God is not dead and can lead them to a place where they will find His Living Word, and that they should pray and ask Him for that. I spoke until the cabin was finally opened to let us out.
I did not think I would have that much time to speak, but I did. I thank God for that opportunity because the freedom I experienced afterwards was massive.
I believe we can do all that God expects of us if we lay down our lives and take the first step in obedience.
Glory to God!
26th November 2024
Sis E.O
© God’s Lighthouse 2025
