Cass Ballenger: “on April 20, 2001, a Peruvian fighter jet mistakenly shot down a small seaplane carrying Baptist missionaries from…”

“on April 20, 2001, a Peruvian fighter jet mistakenly shot down a small seaplane carrying Baptist missionaries from Muskegon, Michigan, over the jungles of Peru. Believing that the small plane was engaged in drug trafficking, the Peruvian pilot attacked this small aircraft, killing two of its passengers, a mother and her infant daughter, and severely wounding the pilot. As you may know, Roni Bowers, her husband James, their 6-year-old son Cory and 7-month-old adopted daughter Charity were flying aboard the seaplane when it was intercepted and attacked by the Peruvian fighter. The aircraft, owned by the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism, was en route to Iquitos, Peru to acquire visa documents for newly adopted Charity. Although severely wounded in the attack, pilot Kevin Donaldson was able to land the plane safely. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, Roni and Charity Bowers were killed in the burst of gunfire. James and Cory Bowers escaped serious injury in the incident. An investigation into this matter is now underway. H. Con. Res. 117 expresses Congress' deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to James and Cory Bowers, their extended family, and to their friends and fellow missionaries. It commends wounded pilot Kevin Donaldson for his bravery and skill in safely landing his crippled aircraft and wishes him a speedy recovery.”