Space Station Supplication - Annie Williams
A hazy breeze swept over the rooftops as smoke from the space shuttle launch lingered for miles. The vibrations which penetrated the air and rippled on the skins and hearts of those watching finally eased away like the foam from a crashing wave vanishes from the shore. Anxious eyes continued to stare upward, searching for a promise that the space craft would return while small fingers clenched the hands of family standing by.
It is on these days—the days when astronauts’ families gather to watch them soar into space—that Annie (Lyons ’81) Williams dedicates her heart, soul and mind to prayer. On launch day, she stands on the Launch Control Center roof at the Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Fla. and prays for the fathers, mothers, and children she stands with as they watch their loved ones take off. Annie prays that God would give them peace and comfort during the exciting, yet stressful, time.
“There are always tears, but often they are happy tears,” Annie said. “After the launch, the spouses and children are all given a gift and card from their loved one. It is really a precious time, and I am blessed to be a part of it.”
That day, the children of the astronauts draw pictures and letters to their moms and dads on a large white board. After the launch, the board is sealed and hung throughout the halls of the Space Center. Annie works with the children, encouraging them as they create the art. During this time, she also interacts with the spouses of the astronauts, who are often followers of Christ.
Annie never dreamed that God would place her at the Kennedy Space Center to minister to others, but she says that in hindsight, she now knows that it is where she is meant to be.
The summer after graduating from Moody, Annie went to Ireland with Greater Europe Mission (GEM) for 10 weeks. She then began working in the home office of GEM and about one year later married Ben Williams ’80-’81. After their first child was born, Annie stayed at home. But, by the age of 35, Annie had fallen into a deep depression.
Annie was exhausted. For seven years, she had tried many treatments, but was often misdiagnosed and over-medicated. She was hospitalized several times, yet even then the Lord was able to use her. Annie affirmed, “So many times during my illness God used me to meet the needs of other patients. The first time I was hospitalized, God used me to minister to a missionary who was suffering from depression. I was also in the hospital during 9/11. That week I led a prayer meeting with other patients, therapists, doctors and nurses. I was always amazed how God chose to use me when I was at my worst.”
Then, through God’s help, Annie and Ben found a program that gave Annie the right diagnosis and treatment. She said, “All my problems stemmed from traumas experienced during childhood. I learned to face these problems and deal with them allowing God to heal the hurt.”
In 2001, Annie successfully went off all medication and back to college to study office administration. She anticipated working with another ministry organization, but after completing an internship at the Kennedy Space Center, she was offered a permanent position as a management support assistant and accepted.
At the Space Center, Annie continued to serve God in any way she could. She got involved in the National Day of Prayer Program, which has been in existence at the Space Center for 18 years. This year she chaired the National Day of Prayer event in May, and about 200 workers gathered for prayer and worship. One of the senior managers, who also serves as a local pastor, spoke at this year’s event.
One year they were joined via satellite with Astronaut Jeff Williams from the International Space Station. Annie said, “When asked what his prayer request was, he said that his most important prayer request was that we pray for his wife. He said he had the easy job; she has to stay at home and hold the fort down." Annie continues to pray for astronauts like Jeff Williams and their families.
“I am so thankful for the foundation God gave me at Moody,” Annie said. “I used it raising six kids, I have led a few ladies' Bible studies, and during the difficult days of my illness, God’s word kept me sane. God has truly done a miracle in my life.”
This summer, Annie visited Moody with her daughter, who is considering attending Moody. Ben works for the City of Melbourne as a maintenance supply specialist. Ben and Annie have six children.