Who doesn’t love a good rocket launch? I was born when men were flying to the moon on a Saturn V. And it seems that it won’t be long before humanity returns to our nearest neighbor. But to get there requires some pretty impressive physics.

If you’ve paid much attention during rocket launches, there is a point when the announcer mentions the rocket reaching “max q.” Max q is a term used in aerospace engineering to describe the point during a rocket’s ascent where it experiences the maximum amount of aerodynamic pressure. This occurs at about 80 seconds for the Saturn V and at about 62 seconds for Space X’s Starship. Engineers have to build rockets to survive max q.

Friends, November 2024 has been max q for our ministry. It began at the end of October when professional thieves hacked their way into our ministry account in the U.S. Thankfully, no money was lost because we noticed their actions quickly and got everything shut down. But that meant losing access to ministry funds right before two small events, as well as the largest event we’ve ever hosted. Max Q.

Then we experienced a mechanical problem with our van that cascaded to needing a complete engine rebuild. No van for 12 days and a bill over $4,000. Max Q.

A leaky roof during the worst rain we have seen in 14 years, and a plumbing problem in the master bath were icing on the cake. Max Q.

But God…

But the Engineer of All Engineers has built us to survive max q. Unlike the rocket, the strength to survive is not in us, but in the Engineer. By trusting in Him, humbly asking for His wisdom and strength, and trusting in His way, we can survive the greatest stresses life can throw at us.

Looking back, we are amazed at all that God did during the time of stress. The two small events happened, and were a true blessing. And our largest event went off without any problems, leading to some revolutionary actions that could shape pastoral training in Costa Rica for decades to come.

And the van? It was fixed and God sent a pair of ravens (see 1 Kings 17) to pay the bill. It seems God has a flair for the dramatic.

The roof is repaired. The plumbing? Well, it is still November and that is up next. But I’m not worried. Because I’ve seen what my God can do. He can walk on water and raise the dead. And it turns out He can hold us together when it feels like we might shake apart.