Pilot causes panic in Boca by skywriting 'God is Great'

Associated Press, Posted January 2 2002, 10:46 AM EST

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BOCA RATON-- Nine of the Sept. 11 terrorists lived and trained near here. The first building to be attacked by anthrax is here.

So when pilot Jerry Stevens took to the skies Tuesday to greet the New Year by writing ``God is Great'' and similar messages two miles above the city, many panicked residents called police and the local newspaper believing his airplane might be part of some sinister plot.

``I was just wondering if a terrorist group was paying for someone to write that,'' said Boynton Beach resident Jon Rogers.

One tourist who wouldn't give her name told the paper the message reminded her of the note that accompanied the anthrax-laced letter sent to U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle that praised Allah. She wondered if she should take cover.

Stevens, however, is just a Roman Catholic skywriter who says he frequently heads toward the heavens to spread a positive message. He understands why he makes some people nervous, but he believes he is doing God's work.

``People are scared. They know something's bad is in the wind,'' Stevens said. ``But the important thing to do is to think about God. I'm just reminding people that God does love them. If America doesn't wake up and turn to God, we won't see the blessings that we've seen in the past.''

He said while some people may be alarmed when they see his message, which can be visible up to 35 miles away, others will be uplifted.

``You can't imagine what it's like when you're feeling low, wondering if God is listening to your prayers,'' he said. ``And then you walk out of your house and up above in big letters right over you, there's `God Loves You.'''

Copyright © 2001, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

[It's a wonder he wasn't forced down by the air force!] LOL

-- Anonymous, January 02, 2002

Answers

What's the problem? Just normal contrails, right? LOLOL

-- Anonymous, January 02, 2002

Even though it says he's a Roman Catholic, he sounds like just another Fundy to me. Goes out there, high up, and sends his own version of proselytizing to the community below. And, it never occurs to him that he's sending the same message the Muslims use. LOL.

-- Anonymous, January 02, 2002

One wonders who he voted for in 2001...

-- Anonymous, January 02, 2002