Faith deepened by moon trip

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33066, 6 November 1972, Page 18

Faith deepened by moon trip

About 500 persons packed St Paul’s Baptist Church yesterday afternoon to hear the American Apollo 15 astronaut, Colonel James B. Irwin, describe his experiences on the lunar mission and how they had strengthened his faith in God.

“God guided us during our trips on the lunar surface,” he said. Throughout the mission he felt God’s presence. Outlining his early career as a pilot, Colonel Irwin, who has resigned from the space programme to pursue a career of envangelism, said: “I always loved the high places, because I have always felt closer to God.”

The lunar journey brought him spiritual awakening, Colonel Irwin said. It was a triumph for science and technology, but it was also a triumph for God.

When the rocket lifted into the sky, the astronauts knew they had the prayers of all mankind for them, he said. As they headed into space, the Earth behind looked like a beautiful and fragile Christmas-tree ornament. “It was one beautiful view after another of God’s wonderful universe.”

Before the flight, he had considered himself a technician and a test-pilot, and had had little time to consider the needs of others, Colonel Irwin said.

•“But since we went to the Moon, I feel that my life has changed, and I have come back to a life of service and to share my faith with everyone on Earth, and tell them

about the beauty of creation, and this beautiful and fragile space-ship we call Earth.”