Pastors of NASA astronaut stuck in space share how he keeps his faith

HOUSTON - While Butch Wilmore’s physical being floats above us in orbit, his mental and spiritual being remains grounded.

Corey Johnson, Wilmore’s pastor, says the unknowns about when he would return home don’t shake his faith.

"His faith is rock solid because his faith is in Christ, the solid rock," Johnson said.

Wilmore and fellow astronaut Suni Williams, both from Houston, blasted off on June 10 on Boeing’s first astronaut flight to the International Space Station for an eight-day mission. However, what was expected to be an eight-day trip turned into eight months due to mechanical issues with the spaceship.

RELATED: NASA's Crew-10 launch date and Crew-9's return date pushed to no earlier than late March 2025

Now, the mission timeline is looking more like 10 months according to NASA as the two astronauts await another crew to launch into space.

Back on Earth, Wilmore’s pastors at Providence Baptist Church in Pasadena say it feels almost like he never left.

Tommy Dahn, Wilmore’s pastor, noted how active Wilmore has been in the church since becoming a member. "That’s been Barry since the day he became a member. He’s been active in the body of the church," Dahn said.

Wilmore and his family have been faithful members of the church for 17 years.

Even in space, Wilmore’s loyalty to his faith hasn’t wavered. Even while orbiting the Earth, Wilmore stays connected to the church.

"He’s still listening to his sermons. We had a Bible institute, and he took one of our classes last semester," Johnson said. "He’s engaged. He’s serving the people as he’s able."

Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app

Wilmore even livestreams services and calls elderly church members to check on them from space.

"It’s comforting to know that Barry is still Barry, even though he’s in the news for everything," Johnson said.

Wilmore’s wife and children miss him deeply, especially as his daughter enters her senior year of high school. Her father is missing a significant portion of her final year.

"The longer he’s away from his family and the less of Logan’s last year he’ll get to experience, that’s the only hint of disappointment I’ve heard from him or his wife," Dahn said.