The Power of Faith in the Storm: The Miracle of Calvary Chapel Missionaries

How 16 Hours on Lake Tanganyika Revealed God’s Sovereignty

In a world where adversity often feels overwhelming, the story of a group of missionaries from Calvary Chapel High Desert, California, reminds us of the transformative power of faith. In June 2025, these brave servants of God faced an unimaginable trial when their boat sank in Lake Tanganyika, leaving them adrift for 16 hours. Join us in this inspiring narrative, shared by Beto and Mili on Christian Podcast Latino, and discover how prayer and praise brought a miracle amid the chaos.

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The Trial in the Water

A team of 11 missionaries—eight Americans and three Africans—was en route to the Democratic Republic of Congo to deliver over 500 Bibles and support Calvary Chapel missions. However, on a June night, their boat began taking on water and ultimately capsized three miles off the Tanzania coast. They lost luggage, money, and their precious Bibles, battling hypothermia, exhaustion, and currents that separated them. Despite this, their spirits remained unbroken. They prayed and sang hymns to God while floating in the darkness, trusting in His sovereign plan.

A Miraculous Rescue

After 16 hours of struggle, hope arrived in the form of a tourist boat and a fishing vessel, followed by assistance from the Tanzanian Navy. Team leader Pastor Brian DuPont, who stayed behind to help his non-swimming African companions, was the last to be rescued. All received treatment for hypothermia, but their testimony rang with gratitude: “God didn’t allow the sinking of the boat to thwart His plan; He used it for His purpose.” This act of faith turned a tragedy into a powerful message of hope.

Lessons of Faith from Scripture

Beto and Mili draw parallels with biblical examples that reinforce faith in crisis. Like Daniel in the lions’ den and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, these missionaries chose to worship God despite an uncertain outcome. They also recalled Paul and Silas, who sang in a Philippian jail until an earthquake freed them (Acts 16:25-34). These stories teach us that worship in adversity not only strengthens our spirit but can also move God’s hand.

Personal Reflection

This story prompts us to ask: How would we respond in a crisis? Would we complain or lift our voices in praise? The faith of these missionaries, who sang while facing death, challenges us to trust God in both good and bad times. As the Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), and His power transcends any storm.