Two NASA astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are finding spiritual solace through their home church in Texas, participating in services and prayer meetings online from space.
The astronauts, Barry Wilmore and Tracy Dyson, both attend Providence Baptist Church in Pasadena.
According to Church Times, they’ve provided their congregation with a virtual tour of the space station.
Mr Wilmore, who serves as an elder at the church, embarked on what was initially supposed to be an eight-day mission.
However, due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule, his mission has been extended by up to eight months.
Tommy Dahn, the church's pastor, shared with the news outlet that Mr Wilmore’s faith has been a cornerstone of strength during this unexpected extension. "He ministers to us," Pastor Dahn said, explaining that Mr Wilmore regularly contacts the congregation from space to offer support.
Ahead of the Starliner’s first flight in June, Mr Wilmore expressed his family’s preparedness for the mission, stating: "Our families have been a part of this from the beginning... We trust in sovereign God. Whatever the plan is, we’re ready for it."
The mission faced significant challenges, including helium leaks and thruster failures during the initial leg of its journey to the ISS.
For weeks, the fate of Mr Wilmore and his fellow astronaut, Suni Williams, was uncertain. However, NASA recently announced that a SpaceX capsule will bring them back to Earth in February.
Ms Dyson, who had always been scheduled for a six-month stay on the ISS, is expected to return to Earth in September. Both astronauts' families are active members of Providence Baptist Church.
Pastor Dahn noted that the church remains in regular contact with both astronauts through email and occasional phone messages. Their families also participate in the congregation.
"Our Sunday morning services are live-streamed, and they can access the streaming most of the time, depending on their location. We pray corporately often for them," he said.
When asked about the impact of space travel on his faith, Mr Wilmore affirmed that his faith remains steadfast and stated that he did not need to go to space to learn about his Lord, as "His word is sufficient".