Moments with Meryl
by Meryl Langley

Well, here we are with just a week to go before flying to the States for Summer Camp—and the British Airways (our air-line) cabin crew is on strike for three days this week, with the threat of more strikes next week. Can you believe it? Last year, too, just before we were due to go to Camp, there were threats of a strike; but it was all resolved before any action was taken.

"Okay, God, so what is going on? I hate all this uncertainty! I want to know what I’m doing. Am I taking time off work? Do we order our American currency? Do we book to park the car at the airport?" And so forth. We listen to the news bulletins and it seems both sides have reached deadlock. "Well, I’m saying that God is in control, no matter how it appears. I’m going ahead, taking one day at a time, planning as usual and working towards flying to Charlotte on Thursday next week. I believe that all 13 of us Brits will be at Camp again this year."

People at work have been amazed at how calm I appear, particularly when they hear that we have not yet even received our flight tickets, although paid for in February! I have been assured that we shall receive them within the next few days. I feel anxious and watch the news every morning and evening, but I know that whatever the outcome, it will be God’s perfect circumstance and He will work it all together for our good.

Day 3 of the strike: It was announced today that the ground staff of British Airways is now considering strike action, involving check-in staff, baggage handlers, and catering staff. "Okay, God, this just looks desperate. But I know You’re not asleep. This is not taking you by surprise and is in no way a mistake."

Day 4: Well, the cabin crew strike is now over for this week, although it will apparently take another two days until normal service is resumed. By then, talks should have taken place to resolve both cabin and ground staff disputes. One minute I feel quite optimistic that everything will be settled in time for our flight and then, after another news bulletin, I think we’re not out of the woods yet. But it really doesn’t matter what I think or feel, it’s what God is doing that counts. British Airways thinks it is making decisions and the trade unions think they are, too. Actually God is the one who has already determined the out-come of this situation. And this is very reassuring.

Day 5: No mention on the news.

Day 6: The backlog of flights will now take until mid-week to be cleared!

Day 7: No mention of the talks on the news again, so I ring British Airways and am told our flight is confirmed–the threatened ground crew strike has been called off and everything is going on as planned! "Thank you, God. What a relief!"

Meryl and the British contingent arrived on schedule, pitched in and helped make another memorable week of fellowship. [Ed.]