Sermon Illustrations

SKYDIVING SACRIFICE

The strength of sacrifice; in May 2002 Robert Bonadies and his fellow instructor Jim Olko were preparing to skydive, along with a novice - Cindy Hyland, in Connecticut. The jump was to be from 12000 ft, falling at 120 mph, which would take just 68 seconds with no parachute. When it came to releasing their chutes, Cindy Hyland couldn’t pull her cord. She lost her balance, and the three of them went into a funnel, one of the most dangerous things that can happen to skydivers. This increased their speed to 170 mph and they would have found it almost impossible to separate their three bodies at this point. However, Bonadies & Jim Olko stayed with Cindy. Jim Olko pulled up at 1100 ft. Bonadies, with 4 seconds left managed to manoeuvre himself under Hyland. They stared at each other with terror in their eyes, but Bonadies was able to pull Hyland’s cord. He stayed with Hyland, and did everything he could for her. She lived, but Robert Bonadies did not.

(From a sermon by Walter Pidgeon, The Strength of Sacrifice, 10/24/2011)

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • Chapter Of Heroes

    Contributed by Randy Trotter on Jun 4, 2013
    based on 1 rating
     | 5,645 views

    Memorial Day Weekend Sermon. Heb. 11 was not just a "FAITH" chapter but a "Chapter of Heroes!"

  • Eclipsing Doubt Series

    Contributed by Quint Pitts on Dec 9, 2009
    based on 15 ratings
     | 23,814 views

    Third message in a series on the life of Joshua. This happened to fall on Veterans Day Weekend at our church and it was written with that in mind.

  • Standing In The Gap Series

    Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 4, 2016
    based on 10 ratings
     | 29,113 views

    The first 3 chapters of Revelation have often been seen as separate from the rest of the book. But that doesn't make any sense. Why would Jesus spend 3 chapters on local churches who were not part of the rest of the story?

  • People Of God

    Contributed by Sean Lester on Jan 27, 2010
    based on 4 ratings
     | 12,262 views

    The beatitudes describe the model of character to which followers of Jesus Christ may aspire.

  • Heroes #2: Run Towards Your Giant Series

    Contributed by Chris Jordan on Jul 12, 2008
    based on 11 ratings
     | 11,722 views

    David, the shepherd boy, was a young person who knew God, was strong in the Lord, and had great adventures. His victory over the giant Goliath is an example for us as to how we can overcome the giant troubles and problems in our lives.