The Greenwood community gathered to pray this weekend and hear the story of a former Navy fighter-pilot who said God saved his life in Vietnam.
William “Fritz” Klumpp was the guest speaker at the 29th Greenwood Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Saturday. He is a New Orleans native and was brought to Greenwood by the hosts of the event, the local chapter of the Christian Business Men’s Connection group.
Klumpp told the story of how he was shot down from the air while flying in Vietnam, but he safely landed after flying for 70 miles with an engine out, which is highly unlikely, he said.
“I became convinced that airplane could not have continued to fly on its own,” Klumpp said.
After the crash, Klumpp continued 106 more missions before he left the Navy and became a pilot for Delta Airlines. Since 1973, Klumpp has been traveling around the world to tell the story of his journey to faith. He explained that even after he experienced that divine intervention, he still struggled to keep his faith.
“When I understood for the first time, I said this is great news, why didn’t anybody tell me?” Klumpp said. “My commitment is to share that with others in ways they can understand.”
Klumpp’s speech was only part of the prayer breakfast, though. The event is hosted each year to pray for the Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers and the community.
Residents, local law enforcement, state and local elected officials and other prominent members of the community attended to participate in prayers for the mayor, schools, community and the national government.
While giving his speech, Myers noted that local elected officials face trials with the decisions they have to make, and he appreciates the community coming together to help them make the best choices.
“We love our jobs, don’t ever forget that,” Myers said. “My request once again, it’s the same one I have every year, please pray for us, please pray for all your elected officials.”
State Rep. Woody Burton of Greenwood attends the event nearly every year. He said that prayer helps in his life and job because he does have to make difficult choices for his community. He added that people such as Klumpp inspire him.
“That’s why I come to this,” Burton said. “To me, it’s meaningful and it brings people together in faith … it inspires me. I come out of here with my battery charged.”
