NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, who was trapped aboard the International Space Station for 9 months with fellow astronaut, Suni Williams, is attributing his endurance in the course of the mission to 1 thing above all – his faith in Jesus Christ.
Wilmore and fellow astronaut Suni Williams landed safely of their Space X return capsule within the Gulf of America on March 19, following technical complications that kept them in orbit far longer than planned.
“My feeling about all of this goes back to my faith,” he told a CBN reporter during a press conference held from space prior to their return.
“It’s tied to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He is understanding His plan and purposes for His glory through all of humanity, and the way that plays out in our lives is meaningful and vital.”
Throughout the mission, the crew faced unpredictable conditions and the emotional toll of prolonged separation from family members.
Yet Wilmore remained steadfast, describing even probably the most difficult periods as moments of spiritual clarity.
“I used to be never alone. God was there, even within the darkest moments,” he declared.
His testimony has resonated widely, especially inside Christian communities.
Wilmore, who serves as an elder at Providence Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas, has long been open about his faith and maintained his connection to his church family even while in space.
His pastor, Tommy Dahn, described him to Fox26 as a faithful and consistent presence, committed to service each on Earth and beyond.
While NASA highlights the critical scientific work undertaken by the astronauts and their perseverance and professionalism during an unusually long and demanding mission, Wilmore framed the experience as a spiritual journey – a testament to the ability of religion during times of adversity.
Quoting Scripture, he acknowledged the complexity of God’s purposes: “I understand that He works all things, some for the great – see Hebrews Chapter 11 – and others seem not so good to us. But all things work together for His good, for all who imagine.”
