U.S. Navy Pilot Says Prayer Important for Crew Detained in China

NORFOLK, Neb. (ELCA) -- Prayer was an important part of each day when a U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane crew was detained in the people's Republic of China, said Commander Shane Osborn, a Lutheran who piloted the U.S. military plane.
"We all prayed as a group prior to each meal," Osborn said in a telephone interview just before his homecoming parade here this week. "I prayed several times a day -- a long one before going to sleep at night, and before each interrogation."
When asked if offering prayer was part of his responsibilities as a commander, he replied, "It's my responsibility as a human being."
Osborn explained that the crew used the term "God" in prayers, and offered to crew members the option to not be part of the group prayers, but all participated.
The 24 crew members read the e-mails they received aloud to each other, and the crew knew that people were praying for them as they waited in "detention" during the 11-day incident in April, Osborn said.
The Navy pilot returned home here April 29. He asked his family not to publicize his return because he wanted some private time before facing another crowd of reporters, photographers and well-wishers. This was Osborn's first trip home since his captivity in China after the EP-3 reconnaissance plane he piloted collided with a Chinese jet fighter.
The 26-year-old lieutenant is not a member of a congregation. "I travel so much as a pilot with the Navy," said Osborn, who said he grew up as a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
Whether or not one is a part of faith community, "doesn't mean you've lost faith," he said. "You have the same beliefs you've always had even if you're not an active member of a congregation."
The travel and schedule he's maintained since his return to the United States has meant that Osborn has not had an opportunity to be in church for worship. Osborn said he has been in one interview situation or reunion situation after another since his return.
The St. John congregation offered a special public prayer service when it was clear that the Navy crew was returning to the United States. About 60 people attended the impromptu mid-day service at this ELCA congregation in the northeast Nebraska community of 23,000 people. The Rev. John A. (Jack) Williams organized the service as part of the ongoing congregational support offered the pilot's family. Diana Osborn, Shane's mother, is a member of St. John. She welcomed hugs and congratulations from well-wishers after the service, and before giving more interviews to media representatives.
"We have been unbelievably blessed by support -- from family, friends, the church, community, from people we don't know," said Diana Osborn.
While the support has been overwhelming, it was not unexpected, she said.
"The support from the congregation was not unexpected, because this has always been a kind, caring congregation," Diana Osborn said. "It's just overwhelming to be the recipient of all the support. As a nurse, I've often been the person giving care, and it's quite a change to be cared for so completely. People are very heartfelt in their prayers!"
"I was quite certain that she would have a lot of support from St. John's and the community. That's just the way it is," Shane Osborn said. -- -- --
*Linda Janssen Gjere is communication coordinator for the ELCA Nebraska Synod.

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