On a wing and a prayer

Becca Owsley

Teresa Mullins carried a Bible with her during the flight with scriptures marked to read as she prayed for government officials.

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Becca Owsley

Teresa Mullins, Gayle Rightmyer, Marlinda Timbers and pilot Roy Cantrall pray before takeoff Monday morning.

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Becca Owsley

Roy Cantrall and his praying passenger Teresa Mullins prepare for takeoff.

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By BECCA OWSLEY bowsley@thenewsenterprise.com ELIZABETHTOWN — Roy Cantrall, 57, has wanted to fly a plane since he was in the seventh grade when he read the book “Thunderbolt” by Robert S. Johnson. That dream came true in June of 2005 and now he is using his flying talents for a higher calling. On Thursday, in coordination with the National Day of Prayer, pilots from around the country took off to pray over the capital cities of all 50 states. Because of the wind on Thursday Cantrall was unable take off but was able to reschedule the flight for Monday. Ground support arrived Monday morning to encourage Cantrall’s flight and mission before he took off. "It's amazing that in all 50 states there are people standing in local airports just doing the same thing, praying for our country," said Gayle Rightmyer, a member of the ground crew. While Cantrall was in the air his passenger, Teresa Mullins, prayed for the state, elected officials, schools and other state institutions. Mullins said Cantrall asked for volunteers to go with him because he couldn't fly and pray at the same time. Jokingly, Mullins said she prayed while driving and didn't know why he couldn't pray while flying. "You're about to find out," Cantrall told Mullins. They did not fly directly over the capitol building for security reasons but they did pray for officials who make decisions inside of it. Before heading to Frankfort, they flew over the H.B. Fife Courthouse in Hardin County to pray for local leaders. Prayers also were voiced for the cities and entities they passed on the flight to and from Frankfort, Cantrall said. Cantrall enjoys flying because he gains a new perspective of everything from the sky. “You’re relaxed when you come back down and want to go up again,” Cantrall said. Becca Owsley can be reached at 505-1741.