On Friday night, March 3, 2023, which is Saturday morning, March 4th, for the team in Palawan, the World Church gathered for an online prayer vigil on the YouTube page of the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Daniel Machado, director of Revelation of Love Ministries, who knows the helicopter pilot Daniel Lui personally, led out in the evening prayer time. 

Search and rescue efforts continue into day four in the Palawan region, where an Adventist medical helicopter disappeared from the radar on March 1, 2023. 

The missing helicopter was piloted by Daniel Lui and carried Janelle Alder, a nurse, their patient, and two others en route to a hospital in the Palawan province. Lui and Alder work with the Philippines Adventist Medical Aviation Services (PAMAS) and have together completed many medical missions in the area and have special training for emergencies like this. 

PAMAS organized a search protocol on March 1 after communication was lost, and since have covered 5,000 square miles with the help of the Philippines Coast Guard. The United States government recently sent a plane from Japan to aid in the search. The team also awaits volunteer underwater divers and submarine drone operators who will investigate a possible crash site. Meanwhile, the Adventist Church family worldwide has prayed continuously and sent financial resources to help support the mounting costs with every flight.

Jasper Itturiaga opened the prayer session with an update. Itturiaga has worked closely with Lui in the past and has participated in the search efforts during the last two days. He expressed the importance of the PAMAS team's work in the region because medical care is not easily accessible in remote islands. “Most of the Indigenous population here in Palawan have no access to medical clinics or hospitals. Many of them have to hike for hours, or even days.” He shared, “With Daniel, it can only take minutes. So this is a very important work.” 

Lui has been piloting for PAMAS for eight years, bringing vital care to the remote islands of the Palawan province as an unsalaried volunteer. Alder, a missionary nurse, has also spent the last year working with PAMAS, providing skilled care and vital communication since she speaks Palawan. 

Prayer for the PAMAS Team, Search and Rescue Operations, and Family

Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Adventist Church, was present for the online prayer vigil, along with his wife Nancy, and thanked those keeping the world church updated on the search and who facilitated this special prayer time. Wilson also encouraged those searching, saying, “Our hearts go out to all of you there, without sleep, working diligently to try and find some vestige–some indication–that our dear friends are still alive.” 

Wilson brought a message of hope based on Matthew 14, in which Jesus saves Peter from the waves. He used this story as an illustration for those who may have doubts and may be losing heart, even now, from where they are in the waters, encouraging them that the Lord wants to save them.

For the families and close friends of those who are currently missing, Wilson shared Philippians 4:19, saying, “as you face trauma, difficulties, and challenges, God says through Paul, ‘and my God shall supply all your need.” 

For all of us praying, he shared Jeremiah 33:3, in which God declares He will show great and mighty things to those who call Him. He reminded us of the great work that they were doing in “relieving suffering and teaching the righteousness of Christ.”

Following Wilson’s inspirational message, Nancy Wilson began a special prayer by recognizing the sovereignty of God. She asked God to continue using Liu and Alder's work to inspire others to care for those in need. “We pray that the inspiration of the lives of Dan and Janelle, and the others, will inspire young people to do the work that you have outlined for us to do.”

Elder Wilson continued the prayer time as he lifted those missing, placing them in God’s care. He also prayed specifically for the weather during these rescue efforts, as the seas have sometimes been tumultuous.

Melody Mason, the resource coordinator for the General Conference Ministerial department, continued the prayer time with a special focus on the responders. Mason prayed for God to work a miracle on behalf of His children. 

She prayed for a miracle to be worked for those missing and those working to aid the search and rescue efforts: “They are tired and weary. The pressure, anxiety, and heartache. Lord, they need courage and strength. But Lord, we know you are our courage and strength. You are our prince of peace… draw close to them.”

Following Mason, Steve Wohlberg, speaker/director of White Horse Ministries, offered prayer. Before Wohlberg prayed for the families of those that were impacted, he led viewers to Psalm 46:1,2, which reads, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea” (NKJV).

“We lift up the family members who are praying. We pray that you will give them strength and sustain them so that they will continue to trust in you and not lose hope or faith.” Wohlberg continued, “Let them know that God is with them. That you understand every pain and every heartache. We just pray for those that are in the water, those that are searching, and also those who are hoping against hope that somehow their loved ones will be found.”

Daniel Machado closed the prayer by asking God for “this experience [to] encourage each of us to do more for You, whatever the cost may be. These people were living solely for You. May You find us when You come, serving with all our heart, mind, and soul.” As he closed, a moment of silence was given, allowing those viewing to take a moment to add their personal prayers to those spoken earlier that evening.

World Church Responds

Within an hour of streaming, the video received over 4,000 views. During the live prayer time, at its peak, over 1,200 people gathered and prayed for the continued rescue efforts. Comments poured into the chat from viewers across the world.

Tim stated, “Lord, I am continuing with all in prayer, amen. Thank You for Your kindness, goodness, and mercy, amen and hallelujah.”

Janee offered prayers specifically for those participating in the search and rescue as she shared, “​Continuing to pray for the flight team and those searching for them.”

Annabel shared that she was “Praying for all the families and loved ones, for all the rescue efforts, and for the passengers. God’s will be done. Even during the trials, God’s glory will be revealed. Praying for God’s mercy and for miracles!”

For official updates, please only refer to PAMAS Facebook page.