Rerouted

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114

Over the years, my husband and I have been avid fans of Southern Gospel music. We have attended many concerts and are always impressed by the down-to-earth and approachable spirit of the Southern Gospel community of singers. Their music is always uplifting, encouraging, and spiritually inspiring. We have felt a strong connection to these groups and the music they bring to the stage, much of which includes the old hymns. Because of the connection we have to Southern Gospel music, our hearts were broken over the tragic loss of some of our favorite gospel singers a few months ago.

On July 26, 2024, a small plane carrying the Southern Gospel singing group, The Nelons, crashed near Gillette, Wyoming. Jason Clark, his wife, Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler, Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, their assistant, Melodi Hodges, and the plane’s pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Lisa Haynie all perished. The group’s destination was Seattle, WA, where The Nelons were scheduled to join the annual Gaither Alaskan Homecoming Cruise for a week of ministering in song to all guests aboard the ship. The others on board the plane, all friends, planned to have a fun, relaxing, and spiritually uplifting cruise.

The lone surviving member of The Nelons singing group, Autumn Nelon Streetman, was not on the plane but was scheduled to meet her family in Seattle that same day. Instead, when Autumn and her husband arrived, they were given the devastating news of the crash. Autumn, who was pregnant with her first child, learned that she had lost her entire family in the plane crash.

Knowing how the Southern Gospel singers are like one big family, it was apparent that the news of this tragedy devastated everyone who knew and loved The Nelons. While the grief is unimaginable, we know that Autumn and her family have always ministered through their strong faith in Christ. We pray for His peace and comfort to envelop Autumn in the days, months, and years ahead.

A week before the fatal plane crash, The Nelons released a new single, “There’s A Hole In The Heart of America,” written by Bill Gaither and Larry Gatlin. It’s a timely song that speaks to the need for Jesus in this country. It didn’t take long for this song to fly to the top of the Gospel music charts.

With all of The Nelons successes and deep commitment to reaching others for the Lord Jesus, and at the height of their careers, for reasons we will never understand, their destination was rerouted to Heaven. They planned to fly to Seattle and join the cruise, but God had another plan. Even though they are gone from this earth, their music and ministry have left an indelible mark on the Southern Gospel community, and their absence is deeply felt. Almost six months later, there is still a hole in the hearts of those who loved and admired Jason, Kelly, Amber, Nathan, Melodi, Larry, and Lisa. As in the song’s message, we trust that God will continue to fill the hole in many hearts due to this tragedy.

In the weeks following the plane crash, I listened to many of The Nelons songs. I also watched reels and videos, interviews, and podcasts. I found comfort in knowing that according to their faith in Jesus Christ and how they proclaimed Him to others on and off stage, those who perished are now in His presence. I learned that six of the seven killed in the crash were members of Roopville Road Baptist Church in Roopville, GA. I watched the most God-honoring homegoing services via livestream for six of the seven who perished. Since then, I have regularly tuned in to the Sunday morning worship service from RRBC via recorded livestream sometime during my week. Through these services, I have been blessed beyond measure. RRBC would definitely be my home church if I lived near Roopville, GA. But, since I live several states to the west, I am thankful that modern technology allows me to watch at my convenience. In addition to my home church here in Texas, I am grateful to receive added spiritual nourishment from this faraway church. Through the sadness of this tragedy, no doubt many have been blessed as I have by these ongoing services.

As I write this blog post, I remember the words from Babbie Mason’s song “Trust His Heart,” which says, “God is too wise to be mistaken; God is too good to be unkind. So when you don’t understand–when you don’t see his plan–when you can’t trace his hand, trust his heart.” We never know what is around the bend for us. But because we have access to the God of hope, we can rest in His promises to always be with us. He is available to help us through anything we may face because there is never a disruption in the communication lines to His heart.

In Memory: Jason Clark, Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber Nelon Kistler, Nathan Kistler, Melodi Hodges, Larry Haynie, and Lisa Haynie – July 26, 2024

Prayer: Dear God, sometimes it is tough to put into words what we are feeling. I want to thank You for being our comfort and song in the night. Sometimes life is difficult, but how thankful we are that we never have to go through it alone. Thank You for the Nelons’ music and the godly legacy they left. We believe You will do great and mighty things through this tragedy. We don’t know what they are, but we wait expectantly, trusting that Your plan is always for our good and Your glory. Please bring healing to all family members and friends of these seven individuals who are now in Your presence. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.